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