(S) CHINA INFORMED OF SHIPMENT OF SODIUM

S E C R E T BEIJING 002486 DEPT FOR EAP, ISN, NEA AND T E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/14/2032 TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC IR CH SUBJECT: (S) CHINA INFORMED OF SHIPMENT OF SODIUM PERCHLORATE, AMMUNITION AND FUZES FROM CHINA TO IRAN REF: STATE 49749 Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard Kagan. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (S) China will look into the shipment of sodium perchlorate, ammunition and fuzes from China to Iran MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Department Missile Division Deputy Director Wang Daxue said April 14 in response to Poloff's delivery of Ref A message. Undertaking to report our information to senior MFA officials, Wang said China fully abides by its nonproliferation commitments under applicable law and United Nations Security Council resolutions and appreciates its cooperation with the United States on nonproliferation matters. ¶2. (S) Wang was pessimistic that China would be willing or able to recall these shipments, noting that sodium perchorate is not a controlled item, the ship is in international waters and the ship is not Chinese. Wang offered responses on the reports of spare parts, ammunition and fuzes. China will investigate controlled items exported. China will faithfully implement applicable United Nations Security resolutions but will not stop exports beyond listed items because the Chinese government needs a legal basis to act. ¶3. (S) Poloff underscored Chinese companies involved in such shipments likely run afoul of U.S. law. With Iran's continued defiance of the international community on the nuclear issue, shipments such as these necessarily contradict the intent of applicable United Nations Security Council Resolutions. China and the United States both share an interest in preventing Iran from developing its ballistic missile capabilities. We strongly encourage China to investigate this matter expeditiously and take action while there is still time, Poloff urged. RANDT NNNN End Cable Text