CHINA "CAUTIOUS" ON FORMAL UNSC MEETING, BELIEVES

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 006458

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

STATE FOR IO/UNP/PAUL WICKBERG, EAP/MLS/AARON COPE,
G/KELLEY CURRIE, EAP/CM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/04/2027
TAGS: PREL PHUM CH BM
SUBJECT: CHINA "CAUTIOUS" ON FORMAL UNSC MEETING, BELIEVES
UNSC PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT "UNHELPFUL"

REF: A. STATE 137644

B. STATE 139713

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson, Reasons 1.4
(b/d).


1. (C) Summary: In response to points in reftels, Chinese MFA
officials referred to MFA press statements noting China's
"positive appraisal" of UN Special Envoy Ibrahim Gambari's
just completed mission to Burma. MFA officials advised
caution on proceeding with a formal meeting of the UNSC on
Burma and suggested a UNSC Presidential Statement would
undermine Gambari's relationship with Burmese authorities.
End Summary.


2. (C) Poloff conveyed points contained in reftels October 4
to MFA Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Division Deputy
Director Liang Jianjun and United Nations Affairs Division
Deputy Director Yao Shaojun. Deputy Director Liang made no
substantive response, except to refer to the October 4 MFA
spokesperson statement on Burma (see para 4),expressing
China's "positive appraisal of the efforts made by the
Myanmar government and Special Envoy Gambari."


3. (C) On the UNSC meeting for October 5, Deputy Director Yao
stated that the U.S. and China missions at the UN are already
in close contact and that the Chinese UN representative has
already "expressed his preferences." Yao added that the
Chinese believe the UN should be "cautious" about having an
open meeting, stating that closed consultations would be
preferable. Yao stated he would pass on reftel points for
further consultation, but his preliminary response was that a
UNSC Presidential Statement would not be helpful to the
situation or to the "good offices" of Special Envoy Gambari,
explaining that a negative statement would undermine the
confidence and good cooperation Gambari has established with
Burmese authorities.


4. (U) The MFA issued a press statement October 4 (available
in Chinese only as of COB October 4) in which China gave a
"positive appraisal" of UN Special Envoy Gambari's mission to
Burma and noted that the situation in Burma recently has
become more peaceful. China hopes positive developments in
the situation in Burma will continue. The statement
reiterated Chinese calls for all sides in Burma to continue
to act with restraint, use peaceful means to restore overall
stability as soon as possible, promote national
reconciliation, improve people's livelihood, and establish
democracy and development. China will continue to play a
positive and constructive role within the international
community, the statement said.
Piccuta