AMBASSADOR URGES CHINESE ACTION ON BURMA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 007385 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR PM/RSAT TIMOTHY LISTON, EAP/MLS/AARON COPE, EAP/CM E.O. 12958: DECL: 12/06/2027 TAGS: PREL MASS PHUM CH BM SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR URGES CHINESE ACTION ON BURMA REF: A. 12/5/07 EAP/CM-EMBASSY BEIJING EMAIL ¶B. STATE 161823 Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) Drawing upon Ref A talking points, the Ambassador in a December 6 meeting with Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei urged China to press the Burmese regime to engage in an authentic dialogue with the opposition and include the opposition in efforts to draft a constitution. Drawing upon Ref B talking points, the Ambassador conveyed the U.S. request that China, as we are requesting of other purveyors of arms to the regime, stop conventional arms sales to Burma. (Discussion in this meeting of Iran and two AmCit cases will be reported separately.) ¶2. (C) AFM He responded that China continues to urge dialogue between the relevant parties in Burma and expressed hope Burma would continue to experience increased stability and gradually move toward democracy and development. China has made consistent efforts toward these ends. The situation has calmed, and progress is being made. China counsels patience and a positive international environment for the parties to engage in dialogue, and advises against sanctions or undue pressure. China is ready to maintain close contact with the United States on Burma and encourages the United States to engage in direct dialogue with the Burmese authorities. China stands ready to facilitate such a dialogue. ¶3. (C) Earlier on December 6, PolOff conveyed Ref B points, urging China to end sales of defense articles and services to Burma, to MFA Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam Division Deputy Director Chen Chen and Missiles and Conventional Weapons Division Deputy Director Wang Daxue. Neither Chen nor Wang had substantive comment, though both interlocutors promised to convey the points to their superiors. RANDT