PACOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL KEATING'S MEETINGS WITH

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 05 BEIJING 003462 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/11/2017 TAGS: PREL MOPS CH TW SUBJECT: PACOM COMMANDER ADMIRAL KEATING'S MEETINGS WITH GENERAL GUO BOXIONG AND LTG ZHANG QINSHENG Classified By: Acting Deputy Chief of Mission Daniel Shields. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). Summary -------------- 1.(C) Improvement in United States-China military relations is Beijing's long term strategy, stated Central Military Commission Vice Chairman and China's highest-ranking uniformed officer General Guo Boxiong during a May 11 meeting with the Commander of the United States Pacific Command (PACOM) Admiral Keating. Recent efforts between the two countries have been well received but there is still room to improve military exchanges. The bilateral relationship has global significance and is key to world peace. China adheres to the path of peaceful development, pursues a foreign policy of peace and maintains a defensive military posture. Admiral Keating stated that the United States is encouraged by the spirit of mutual cooperation demonstrated by the two countries. PACOM is ready to work with the PLA to promote more exchanges and to raise the quality of military contacts. China should be aware that many people view the ASAT test as incongruous with China's stated goal of peaceful development. General Guo replied that China does not understand why there has been such a "dramatic response" to a "scientific test." He stated that the United States needs to have a clear understanding of the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue. Admiral Keating responded that the United States' policy is long standing and very clear and stressed the need for calm in the face of campaign rhetoric in Taiwan. ¶2. (C) During an earlier office call with Lieutenant General Zhang Qinsheng, Zhang stated that Admiral Keating's visit will play a positive role in the development of military ties and pointed out that many milestones have been achieved recently. China is gradually resolving its transparency issues. Admiral Keating responded that through better engagement across a wide spectrum of military issues better transparency can be achieved. End Summary. Committed to Building Strong Military Ties -------------- ¶3. (C) Central Military Commission Vice Chairman and China's highest-ranking uniformed officer General Guo Boxiong warmly welcomed Admiral Keating during a May 11 meeting, stating that his visit to China so soon �00A;after assuming his new position as Commander of the United States Pacific Command (PACOM) demonstrates the importance the Admiral places on the development of military-to-military ties. Recalling statements made by the United States Joint Chief of Staffs General Pace during his March visit, Guo said General Pace's position that neither China nor the United States has the intention to attack the other was viewed by the Chinese military and public as an important comment. The PLA appreciates the importance the United States attaches to building stronger relations for the future. Further enhancement of relations between the two militaries is Beijing's long term strategy. Admiral Keating responded that the United States is encouraged by the spirit of mutual cooperation being demonstrated by both countries. U.S.-China Relations Are the Cornerstone for World Stability -------------- -------------- ¶4. (C) The United States and China are both great nations in the world that share extensive common strategic interests, stated General Guo, adding the two countries are not only responsible stakeholders but "constructive partners" in the maintenance of world peace. China has always attached importance to developing bilateral ties and currently the relationship has achieved "good momentum in its steady development." Military relations are an important part of the bilateral relationship and thanks to the efforts of our two presidents and the defense BEIJING 00003462 002 OF 005 ministries military-to-military ties are greatly improving. Personally speaking, Guo stated that he believes military-to-military ties still have a huge potential for development and hopes that there will be more exchanges with PACOM officers at all levels. ¶5. (C) Admiral Keating stated that PACOM will do all that it can to promote not only more exchanges but more importantly to raise the quality of military-to- military contacts. The current number of exchanges and the quality of those exchanges are much improved over past years but there is still the opportunity for the two countries to do an even better job. In particular the United States would like to start an exchange between the senior enlisted corps, stated Admiral Keating, who then introduced Command Chief Master Sergeant Jim Roy, noting that he represents the backbone of the United States military. The two countries need to start exchanges between the non- commissioned officer corps because the enlisted role is essential to both militaries, stated Admiral Keating. China's Development Strategy -------------- ¶6. (C) China's adherence to the path of peaceful development will not change, stated General Guo. China has chosen this path based on the conditions China faces and it is not subject to any one (Chinese) individual's decision. Domestically, China's pivotal mission is to concentrate on economic development in order to improve the quality of life and provide for the welfare of the Chinese people. At the same time, China is committed to building a harmonious society so that Chinese people can live in a safe and stable environment. With "Opening and Reform," China's national power has greatly increased over the past thirty years. China's achievements demonstrate that the peaceful development path is the "correct path," stated General Guo. Even though China has made great achievements, it still has a long way to go. Based on international statistics, last year China's GDP ranked fourth in the world but in per capita GDP out of 180 countries measured, China ranked 108. China's Foreign Policy Strategy -------------- ¶7. (C) China pursues a foreign policy of peace, a defensive military strategy and "holds high the banner of peaceful cooperation," stated General Guo. China will not engage in an arms race with any country nor will it forge a military alliance with any country directed at another. In short, China does not see itself as a threat to any country. Beijing strives to maintain a peaceful international environment to promote its economic development so that in the long term China can make greater contributions to building a harmonious world. Some people are suspicious about the pace and direction of China's development. This is largely due to foreigners not having a clear understanding of the situation in China. China places importance on improving contacts and communications with western countries to improve mutual understanding. Admiral Keating replied that his personal goal for his trip to China is to develop a more comprehensive understanding of China and to build better ties between the militaries that can be passed to future generations of military officers. Different Views On the ASAT Test -------------- ¶8. (C) Some people in the United States are unclear about China's military development and the PLA's mid- and long-term goals, stated Admiral Keating. The ASAT test in January was a confusing signal since China's stated long-term goal is "peaceful rise." General Guo responded that he does not understand why this test has caused such a "dramatic reaction." The test was a normal, scientific test targeting an old Chinese satellite and was conducted under the United Nations Charter and international laws regarding the use of BEIJING 00003462 003 OF 005 space. There were no serious consequences resulting form the test. China is not trying to threaten any other country and the test has not exceeded what other countries have done in the past. Guo said that there are no ulterior motives behind the test. China was responsible in conducting the test and did a thorough analysis of the impact any resulting debris might have on other countries' satellites and the future use of space. According to United States statistics, there are currently 10,000 pieces of space debris and based on China's statistics, the ASAT test created only four percent of the ten thousand pieces, stated General Guo. After the test, China informed major countries about the test and expressed its willingness to work with the international community to create a legal framework to prevent the weaponization of space and to ensure the peaceful use of space. ¶9. (C) Admiral Keating responded that not everyone in the world agrees with China's assessment of the test and many view it as much more significant than a mere scientific experiment. They ask what advantage is gained in the name of science by increasing the amount of debris in space that can jeopardize future and current scientific experiments. These questions exist in military, political, business and private circles outside of China and Beijing needs to clearly understand how many people around the world view the test with suspicion. Guo stated that many people do not understand the history of ASAT technology, which dates to the 1980's, and actually think that China was the first to conduct this type of test. The world is well aware that the United States and the former Soviet Union conducted this type of test in the context of the Cold War in the 1980's, stated Admiral Keating. Taiwan -------------- ¶10. (C) The United States needs a clear understanding of the importance and sensitivity of the Taiwan issue to China, said General Guo. China upholds the policy of peaceful reunification and one-country, two- systems. China's current goal is to maintain peace and stability in the Strait. China stands against Taiwan independence forces and activities. Chen Shui- bian has never ceased in his schemes for independence and his recent actions are dangerous steps toward declaring de jure independence. China is watching closely for further movements that could undermine stability in the Strait. General Guo urged the United States to not trust Chen Shui-bian or to believe that Chen will keep his "Four-Nos" promise. China urges the United States not to send incorrect signals to the Taiwan authorities so that China and the United States can work together to maintain peace and our strategic relationship, General Guo stated. ¶11. (C) Admiral Keating stated that his orders from the President are very clear. The United States will adhere to its one-China policy, the three communiqu7s and the Taiwan Relations Act. This is a long-held policy that is well understood and clearly stated. As PACOM Commander, Admiral Keating stated that he is charged with maintaining the peace and security in the region and specifically in the Strait. The United States understands China's concern about the upcoming election in Taiwan and the rising level of political rhetoric. The United States' biggest concern is that a series of misunderstandings, touched off by statements or events in Taiwan, could put the United States and China in a situation that neither country wants. The United States and China must clearly commit to each other a desire for peace in the Strait, stated Admiral Keating, adding that neither side should become unduly alarmed by campaign rhetoric. PACOM wants to deal with the PLA in a candid and forthright manner. General Guo said that the PLA is also willing to engage in candid exchanges on this issue and promised to share observations on changes in the Strait with Admiral Keating. Office Call on General Zhang Qinsheng: Military Ties BEIJING 00003462 004 OF 005 Strong -------------- -------------- ¶12. (C) In an introductory official call prior to the meeting with General Guo, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Zhang Qinsheng warmly welcomed Admiral Keating. Anticipating General Guo?s message, he stated that Admiral Keating's visit to China will play a positive role in the development of United States-China military-to-military relations, during a May 11 meeting. The United States and China need to usher in a new stage of relations through professional exchanges. Military-to-military relations are an important component of overall bilateral relations and the respective defense ministries are enjoying "effective cooperation that has taken on a good shape," Zhang said. The Chinese and United States' militaries have achieved milestones in recent years. New progress in the Defense Consultative Talks have enhanced communication, deepened mutual trust and reduced misunderstandings. Admiral Keating offered his personal and professional commitment to sustain the advances made in the military relations by both countries. The United States military is ready to work with China's military across the entire spectrum of possibilities, including officer exchanges, certain types of exercises, humanitarian responses, keeping the sea lines of communication open, bringing peace to the Korean peninsula, ecological concerns, terrorist attacks and other challenges. The two countries will have differences. By developing channels of communication, doubt and mistrust can be reduced so that future operations could be better understood, stated Admiral Keating. Engagement Rather Than Transparency is the End Goal -------------- -------------- ¶13. (C) Many people are interested in the issue of China's military transparency, Zhang stated, adding that transparency is a relative concept. It will take time to understand each other and through more contacts transparency issues will be gradually resolved. The more exposure the West has to China, the better it understands China's actual conditions. Zhang said that he hoped Admiral Keating will visit China often in order to develop an objective perspective about China's situation. Admiral Keating responded that transparency should not be thought of as the end goal but rather as part of a larger picture. Transparency is a passive matter but the two countries need to be active in developing a better understanding of each other?s capabilities and intentions. The United States and China need to lean forward in pursuing activities that will develop the relationship. Chief of Defense Conference -------------- ¶14. (C) Admiral Keating extended an invitation to LTG Zhang to attend the Chiefs of Defense Conference in Hawaii. Zhang responded that he would seriously consider the invitation. Zhang mentioned that he hopes to be able to attend the next round of Defense Consultative Talksto be held in Washington in June but noted tha his schedule is still being worked on. ¶15. (U) Participants: United States: Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Commander of United States Pacific Command Ambassador Clark T. Randt, US Embassy Beijing General Ralph Jodice, Defense Attache, US Embassy Beijing Ravic R. Huso, Foreign Policy Advisor to Commander, United States Pacific Command Command Chief Master Sergeant James A. Roy Captain Gregory M. Nosal, Executive Assistant to the Commander, United States Pacific Command BEIJING 00003462 005 OF 005 Captain William J. Alderson, Public Affairs Officer Colonel Mark Gillette, Army Attache, US Embassy Beijing Lieutenant Colonel Roger Cavazos, Senior Country Director, United States Pacific Command Lieutenant Colonel Nickolas Reisdorff, Assistant Army Attache, US Embassy Beijing Mr. Alan Pessin, Voice of America Elise Williamson, Political Officer, US Embassy Beijing Jim Brown, Interpreter PRC: General Guo Boxiong, Central Military Commission Vice Chairman Lieutenant General Zhang Qinsheng, Deputy General Chief of Staff Major General Qian Lihua, Deputy Director of Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defense Senior Colonel Huang Xueping, Deputy Director of American and Oceania Department, Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defense Major Cheng Kai, Interpreter and Staff Officer of American and Oceania Department, Foreign Affairs Office, Ministry of National Defense ¶16. (U) Admiral Keating cleared this message. PICCUTA