VISIT OF PRC STATE COUNCILOR TANG JIAXUAN TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L BANGKOK 001265 SIPDIS NOFORN SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/02/2017 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON BM CH TH SUBJECT: VISIT OF PRC STATE COUNCILOR TANG JIAXUAN TO THAILAND REF: A. BEIJING 1269 (TANG VISIT TO BURMA) ¶B. 06 BANGKOK 7285 (BIOGRAPHIC GOSSIP) Classified By: Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce, reason: 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) Summary: Visiting PRC State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan told his Thai interlocutors that during a visit to Burma he had pressed the Burmese to work to retain ASEAN support. The Burmese government told Tang they were focusing on internal security, national reconciliation, and economic development. Visiting Thailand February 27-March 2, Tang had an audience with the King, met with Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont, Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda, and former Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh. Thai Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont plans to visit the PRC on May 28. End Summary. ¶2. (C/NF) On February 27, Privy Councillor Siddhi Saveysila hosted a dinner in honor of PRC State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, whose visit to Thailand included a call on Prime Minister Surayud. (The following day, dinner guest Sarasin Virapong -- strictly protect -- provided the Ambassador with a readout of the visit. Sarasin's readout generally tracks with the account provided by the PRC MFA to Embassy Beijing -- ref A.) ¶3. (C) Tang informed his Thai interlocutors he had just visited Burma; he characterized Burma's movement of its national capital from Rangoon to Pyinmana as "insanity," as this required building a city from scratch. Tang told the Burmese they should not alienate its fellow ASEAN members but should work to maintain support within ASEAN. The Burmese told him they were pursuing three objectives: - Strengthening security internally; - Continuing national reconciliation with minorities, except those engaged in armed struggle; and - Strengthening economic development. ¶4. (C) During his Bangkok visit, Tang reiterated the PRC's policy of non-intervention in internal affairs, indicating the PRC would not criticize the Thai for the coup or render judgment on the RTG's progress toward returning to democratic governance. Prime Minister Surayud requested to visit the PRC, and this visit has been scheduled for May 28. The visit reportedly will include the signature of multiple agreements (NFI). Tang said the PRC welcomed Thai advice on how to help Chinese companies improve their international competitiveness. The PRC also intended to donate 8 million RMB (approximately 1 million USD) to the Chaipattana royal foundation, as a gesture of respect to the King. ¶5. (C) Separately, Piroon Laismit, Director of MFA Division III (China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong) briefed us March 2 on Tang's visit. Piroon said Tang's main purpose during his visit was to have an audience with the King. However, he also called on the Prime Minister to request an update on the general situation in Thailand, including progress in drafting the Constitution. Piroon said the Chinese used this visit to reinforce China's support for the Prime Minister, but he emphasized that no formal bilateral discussions took place during this trip. Tang also had a courtesy call on Privy Council President Prem Tinsulanonda. Piroon said Tang's other encounters, such as one with former Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, simply represented a meeting between old friends. (Note: Ref B cites claims that Chavalit is very well connected with PRC officials. End Note.) Tang intended to depart Thailand on March 2. BOYCE