CHINA WISHES TO WORK WITH USG TO PROMOTE STABILITY

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 006975 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/05/2027 TAGS: PREL PARM PHUM MNUC PGOV CH PK SUBJECT: CHINA WISHES TO WORK WITH USG TO PROMOTE STABILITY IN "MUSLIM, NUCLEAR-ARMED" PAKISTAN REF: OPS CENTER - POST EMAIL 11/05/07 BEIJING 00006975 001.2 OF 002 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson, Reasons 1. 4 (b/d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see paragraph 9. ¶2. (C) Summary: China is deeply concerned about the current state of emergency in Pakistan and hopes Pakistan President Musharraf will maintain stability there, according to MFA Asian Affairs Director General Hu Zhengyue. Hu told PolMinCouns on November 5 that, given Pakistan's status as a major Muslim state with nuclear arms, China wishes to cooperate with the United States in playing a constructive role in maintaining stability in Pakistan. PolMinCouns drew upon ref e-mail press guidance to describe U.S. views of the situation, adding that we would seek further guidance from Washington. End Summary. ¶3. (C) Chinese MFA Asian Affairs Department Director General Hu Zhengyue, noting he was acting under instruction, briefed PolMinCouns November 5 on Chinese perspectives on the situation in Pakistan. DG Hu noted that President Pervez Musharraf's declaration of a state of emergency in Pakistan drew widespread attention from the international community. China, as a "friendly neighbor," has been following developments closely. Hu observed that since Musharraf has the backing of the military and the ruling party, he should be able to keep the situation under control for the time being. ¶4. (C) Noting that China and Pakistan were in contact with each other both prior to and after the declaration of the state of emergency, Hu said that the Pakistani Government informed Chinese officials that this action is a temporary measure aimed at breaking a "judicial deadlock" and that the government remains committed to holding general elections. Hu stated that Musharraf "faces difficulty and uncertainty" in achieving stability and in guiding a transition of power. Chinese emphasize Musharraf's positive accomplishments -------------- -------------- ¶5. (C) China believes that in his eight years of leadership in Pakistan, Musharraf has made "widely recognized achievements and promoted economic development." Musharraf has made "outstanding contributions" in the border areas to support international efforts to combat terrorism, Hu stated. The Chinese Government believes that a Pakistan that enjoys political stability and economic development and that upholds moderate and open polices is in the interests of the international community, including China and the United States. Hu said that China recognizes that Musharraf has adopted "resolute measures" in the face of domestic turmoil. Stability is the highest priority -------------- ¶6. (C) The most pressing task in Pakistan is to restore stability, Hu said, and the Chinese Government hopes and believes that Musharraf has the ability to do it. Noting that China and the United States both enjoy good relations with Pakistan, Hu suggested our two sides keep in touch and work together constructively. ¶7. (C) Responding to Hu's expression of interest in U.S. views, PolMinCouns drew upon ref e-mail press guidance to describe U.S. desire for a return to constitutional normalcy and civil liberties in Pakistan. Noting PolMinCouns' point on the state of emergency damaging progress Pakistan has made towards becoming a fully democratic society, Hu stated that "we all know that Pakistan has work to do" in the transition to democracy; but, for the time-being, stability is the most important priority. Hu emphasized the need for the United States and China to make constructive efforts to achieve stability in Pakistan, because Pakistan is "a major Muslim country with nuclear arms" and has contributed significantly to counter-terrorism efforts. BEIJING 00006975 002.2 OF 002 ¶8. (C) In response to PolMinCouns noting the U.S. review of our assistance programs to Pakistan, DG Hu mentioned that China will continue its economic cooperation projects, including many infrastructure projects, in Pakistan. Hu also noted that China had in the past advised Musharraf to respond to "outside concerns" regarding the domestic situation. ¶9. (C) ACTION REQUEST: In light of the MFA request for U.S. views on the situation and the way forward in Pakistan, Post requests Department consideration of appropriate action vis-a-vis China, if any, beyond our conveyance today of points contained in ref email. Randt