Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07MANILA2705
2007-08-10 06:59:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manila
Cable title:
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CHINESE
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C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002705
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR D AND EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2027
TAGS: ASEAN ETRD PREL EXBS CH
SUBJECT: THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CHINESE
FOREIGN MINISTER YANG JIECHI
Classified By: CDA Paul Jones, reasons 1.4 c, d
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 MANILA 002705
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR D AND EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2027
TAGS: ASEAN ETRD PREL EXBS CH
SUBJECT: THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CHINESE
FOREIGN MINISTER YANG JIECHI
Classified By: CDA Paul Jones, reasons 1.4 c, d
1. (C) Summary: During August 1 bilateral discussions at the ASEAN Reg
Forum (ARF),Deputy Secretary Negroponte noted China's role in the rece
passage of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1769 r
peacekeeping in Darfur, but encouraged China to move forward with a res
on Iran's nuclear program. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi suggested that
efforts of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) and the E
Union (EU) be given more time to work, noting that Iran "already feels
heat" of mounting international pressure. FM Yang relayed positive com
from the North Korean foreign minister regarding the status of Six-Part
negotiations, noting that "the level of mutual trust had increased two
with the recent visit of Ambassador Hill to Pyongyang. End summary.
Taking steps on Darfur
--------------
2. (C) FM Yang with media present, commented on China's role in the Ju
passage of UNSC resolution 1769 authorizing the hybrid peacekeeping ope
in Darfur. The Foreign Minister offered that China and the internationa
community should be "fully engaged" to find "solutions to the situation
Darfur." Privately, Yang noted to the Deputy Secretary China's intenti
encourage Sudan to comply with the implementation of the resolution, wh
citing the need to be flexible in ensuring that rebel forces in Sudan s
a peace agreement. Responding to the Deputy Secretary's point that Sud
progress in complying with the resolution must be closely verified, the
Minister answered that China intends to maintain a "positive attitude"
the situation. He verified that China still intends to contribute an
engineering force to the UN-lead presence. In that same spirit, Yang c
need for the international community to encourage cooperation; he said
ChinaQs view, additional economic sanctions against Sudan would not acc
our goals.
Patience with Iran
--------------
3. (C) The Deputy Secretary urged China to support further UNSC measur
against Iran, saying that it is now time to move on a resolution to de
Iran's nuclear program. Yang, however, suggested that IAEA and EU effo
given more time to work and speculated that Iran may "moderate" its sta
making an eventual solution more achievable. The Deputy Secretary note
Iran must suspend enrichment activities quickly, particularly in light
Iran's negative approach to a range of issues -- from the Middle East p
process to the provision of weapons to neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan
simply offered that China had informed Iran that stalling on the nuclea
would not work. Turning to U.S. discussions with Iran on Iraq, Yang as
whether these talks could provide a venue for broader U.S-Iran security
discussions. The Deputy Secretary responded that talks were at the ear
stages and that until now Iran had used the venue to urge the United St
leave Iraq while the United States wanted to focus more on how to creat
institutions that would build reconciliation and peace in Iraq. The De
Secretary told Yang that the United States would provide China with a r
SIPDIS
of the next round of discussions. Yang speculated on whether IranQs nu
issue could be linked to its position on Iraq; Yang thought that maybe
U.S. were to give Iran more time to make progress with the IAEA on nucl
issues, possibly Iran would moderate its overall approach to having the
States in Iraq or in the region. The Deputy Secretary rejected this ap
noting that we would still have to face the same problem - an emboldene
that was creating problems beyond its own borders.
Continued Work on Six-Party Talks
--------------
4. (C) Yang relayed positive comments he received from North Korea's fo
minister during the ASEAN meetings regarding the status of Six-Party
negotiations, noting that "the level of mutual trust had increased two
with the recent visit of Ambassador Hill to Pyongyang. The Minister ad
all sides needed to encourage "positive discussion." Yang thought that
agreement to host the next round of nonproliferation working group meet
Shenyang, China, as well as YangQs own comments to the North Korean for
minister about the increased "prestige" North Korea enjoyed as a result
progress in the talks were good examples of how to create a positive
atmosphere. Yang also acknowledged the role of ASEAN countries, and th
Philippines as ASEAN chair, in encouraging progress with North Korea.
Deputy Secretary emphasized the need for a pragmatic attitude about how
continued talks might progress.
Military Sales and Exchanges with Taiwan
--------------
5. (C) FM Yang raised concerns about Taiwan, including military sales a
military exchanges with Taiwan. He said China appreciated the U.S.'s
MANILA 00002705 002 OF 002
publicopposition to Taiwan's recent bid for UN membership; however, Chi
thought Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is following a dangerous, even
reckless, path. Yang called for close U.S.- China cooperation to ensur
Strait stability. Specifically, Yang described possible sales of F-16
fighter jets and P3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft as "serious and enor
signals that would "enlarge the arrogance of pro-Taiwan forces." China
consider these sales as a "huge upgrade" to the military capability of
as well as a potential threat to their "core national interest." The D
Secretary said that the United States is well aware of ChinaQs concerns
SIPDIS
reassured Yang of U.S. efforts to prevent changes to the status quo. T
Deputy Secretary also asked for China's flexibility in allowing Taiwan
international organizations that did not require state sovereignty as
conditions for membership, as a means to encourage peaceful understandi
to promote the interests of the citizens on Taiwan.
Concerns Over Chinese Product Safety
--------------
6. (C) FM Yang highlighted sensitivity over recent international media
on Chinese product safety, and asked the U.S. to avoid trade restrictio
Chinese goods as well as to take efforts to prevent media exaggerations
regarding the scope of products which did not meet safety or quality st
Yang emphasized that 99 percent of products produced in China passed qu
and or safety inspections and that China would continue to improve qual
inspections. He also acknowledged the Deputy Secretary's points that th
media's coverage of the issue was not under U.S. government's control a
tolerance for poor quality food and medicine was justifiably very low.
High Hopes for Future Visits, but Dismay over Dalai Lama
-------------- --------------
7. (C) FM Yang described China's current relations with the U.S. as in
shape." He pointed to upcoming bilateral discussions between U.S. Pres
Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao slated to occur on the sidelines o
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings planned in Sydney, Au
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National PeopleQs Congress of China, would
visit Washington later this year. Yang, himself, is hoping to travel to
U.S., possibly in early October. Yang also highlighted the importance o
nongovernmental exchanges, citing the George H.W. Bush (Bush 41)-sponso
symposium on China, to occur in November. However, Yang stated these v
would have to be reconsidered if the U.S. Congress proceeded with plans
award the Dalai Lama a Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Oc
16. FM Yang cited particular concern that President Bush or Secretary
Rice might attend this event.
8. (U) August 1, 2007; 09:20; Manila, Philippines.
9. (U) Meeting Participants:
China
Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Cui Tiankai, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Deng Xijun, Charge d'affaires, Chinese Embassy
Mr. Liu Jieyi, Director-general, Department of American and
Oceanian Affairs, MFA
Ms. Jian Yu, Deputy Director-general, Department of
Information, MFA
Mr. Ren Faqiang, Deputy Division Director, Department of
American and Oceanian Affairs, MFA
Mr. Li Xiang, Deputy Division Director, Department of
Protocol, MFA
Mr. Cong Song, Secretary to Minister Yang
U.S.
John Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State
Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State
Blair Hall, Director, EAP/RSP
Kaye Lee, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary
Ted Wittenstein, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary
Colleen Kelly, EAP/RSP
Kevin Sheives, EAP/RSP
Andrew Buntrock, Notetaker
JONES
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
STATE FOR D AND EAP
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/08/2027
TAGS: ASEAN ETRD PREL EXBS CH
SUBJECT: THE DEPUTY SECRETARY'S MEETING WITH CHINESE
FOREIGN MINISTER YANG JIECHI
Classified By: CDA Paul Jones, reasons 1.4 c, d
1. (C) Summary: During August 1 bilateral discussions at the ASEAN Reg
Forum (ARF),Deputy Secretary Negroponte noted China's role in the rece
passage of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution 1769 r
peacekeeping in Darfur, but encouraged China to move forward with a res
on Iran's nuclear program. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi suggested that
efforts of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) and the E
Union (EU) be given more time to work, noting that Iran "already feels
heat" of mounting international pressure. FM Yang relayed positive com
from the North Korean foreign minister regarding the status of Six-Part
negotiations, noting that "the level of mutual trust had increased two
with the recent visit of Ambassador Hill to Pyongyang. End summary.
Taking steps on Darfur
--------------
2. (C) FM Yang with media present, commented on China's role in the Ju
passage of UNSC resolution 1769 authorizing the hybrid peacekeeping ope
in Darfur. The Foreign Minister offered that China and the internationa
community should be "fully engaged" to find "solutions to the situation
Darfur." Privately, Yang noted to the Deputy Secretary China's intenti
encourage Sudan to comply with the implementation of the resolution, wh
citing the need to be flexible in ensuring that rebel forces in Sudan s
a peace agreement. Responding to the Deputy Secretary's point that Sud
progress in complying with the resolution must be closely verified, the
Minister answered that China intends to maintain a "positive attitude"
the situation. He verified that China still intends to contribute an
engineering force to the UN-lead presence. In that same spirit, Yang c
need for the international community to encourage cooperation; he said
ChinaQs view, additional economic sanctions against Sudan would not acc
our goals.
Patience with Iran
--------------
3. (C) The Deputy Secretary urged China to support further UNSC measur
against Iran, saying that it is now time to move on a resolution to de
Iran's nuclear program. Yang, however, suggested that IAEA and EU effo
given more time to work and speculated that Iran may "moderate" its sta
making an eventual solution more achievable. The Deputy Secretary note
Iran must suspend enrichment activities quickly, particularly in light
Iran's negative approach to a range of issues -- from the Middle East p
process to the provision of weapons to neighboring Iraq and Afghanistan
simply offered that China had informed Iran that stalling on the nuclea
would not work. Turning to U.S. discussions with Iran on Iraq, Yang as
whether these talks could provide a venue for broader U.S-Iran security
discussions. The Deputy Secretary responded that talks were at the ear
stages and that until now Iran had used the venue to urge the United St
leave Iraq while the United States wanted to focus more on how to creat
institutions that would build reconciliation and peace in Iraq. The De
Secretary told Yang that the United States would provide China with a r
SIPDIS
of the next round of discussions. Yang speculated on whether IranQs nu
issue could be linked to its position on Iraq; Yang thought that maybe
U.S. were to give Iran more time to make progress with the IAEA on nucl
issues, possibly Iran would moderate its overall approach to having the
States in Iraq or in the region. The Deputy Secretary rejected this ap
noting that we would still have to face the same problem - an emboldene
that was creating problems beyond its own borders.
Continued Work on Six-Party Talks
--------------
4. (C) Yang relayed positive comments he received from North Korea's fo
minister during the ASEAN meetings regarding the status of Six-Party
negotiations, noting that "the level of mutual trust had increased two
with the recent visit of Ambassador Hill to Pyongyang. The Minister ad
all sides needed to encourage "positive discussion." Yang thought that
agreement to host the next round of nonproliferation working group meet
Shenyang, China, as well as YangQs own comments to the North Korean for
minister about the increased "prestige" North Korea enjoyed as a result
progress in the talks were good examples of how to create a positive
atmosphere. Yang also acknowledged the role of ASEAN countries, and th
Philippines as ASEAN chair, in encouraging progress with North Korea.
Deputy Secretary emphasized the need for a pragmatic attitude about how
continued talks might progress.
Military Sales and Exchanges with Taiwan
--------------
5. (C) FM Yang raised concerns about Taiwan, including military sales a
military exchanges with Taiwan. He said China appreciated the U.S.'s
MANILA 00002705 002 OF 002
publicopposition to Taiwan's recent bid for UN membership; however, Chi
thought Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian is following a dangerous, even
reckless, path. Yang called for close U.S.- China cooperation to ensur
Strait stability. Specifically, Yang described possible sales of F-16
fighter jets and P3C Orion anti-submarine aircraft as "serious and enor
signals that would "enlarge the arrogance of pro-Taiwan forces." China
consider these sales as a "huge upgrade" to the military capability of
as well as a potential threat to their "core national interest." The D
Secretary said that the United States is well aware of ChinaQs concerns
SIPDIS
reassured Yang of U.S. efforts to prevent changes to the status quo. T
Deputy Secretary also asked for China's flexibility in allowing Taiwan
international organizations that did not require state sovereignty as
conditions for membership, as a means to encourage peaceful understandi
to promote the interests of the citizens on Taiwan.
Concerns Over Chinese Product Safety
--------------
6. (C) FM Yang highlighted sensitivity over recent international media
on Chinese product safety, and asked the U.S. to avoid trade restrictio
Chinese goods as well as to take efforts to prevent media exaggerations
regarding the scope of products which did not meet safety or quality st
Yang emphasized that 99 percent of products produced in China passed qu
and or safety inspections and that China would continue to improve qual
inspections. He also acknowledged the Deputy Secretary's points that th
media's coverage of the issue was not under U.S. government's control a
tolerance for poor quality food and medicine was justifiably very low.
High Hopes for Future Visits, but Dismay over Dalai Lama
-------------- --------------
7. (C) FM Yang described China's current relations with the U.S. as in
shape." He pointed to upcoming bilateral discussions between U.S. Pres
Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao slated to occur on the sidelines o
Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings planned in Sydney, Au
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the National PeopleQs Congress of China, would
visit Washington later this year. Yang, himself, is hoping to travel to
U.S., possibly in early October. Yang also highlighted the importance o
nongovernmental exchanges, citing the George H.W. Bush (Bush 41)-sponso
symposium on China, to occur in November. However, Yang stated these v
would have to be reconsidered if the U.S. Congress proceeded with plans
award the Dalai Lama a Congressional Gold Medal during a ceremony on Oc
16. FM Yang cited particular concern that President Bush or Secretary
Rice might attend this event.
8. (U) August 1, 2007; 09:20; Manila, Philippines.
9. (U) Meeting Participants:
China
Yang Jiechi, Minister of Foreign Affairs
Cui Tiankai, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs
Mr. Deng Xijun, Charge d'affaires, Chinese Embassy
Mr. Liu Jieyi, Director-general, Department of American and
Oceanian Affairs, MFA
Ms. Jian Yu, Deputy Director-general, Department of
Information, MFA
Mr. Ren Faqiang, Deputy Division Director, Department of
American and Oceanian Affairs, MFA
Mr. Li Xiang, Deputy Division Director, Department of
Protocol, MFA
Mr. Cong Song, Secretary to Minister Yang
U.S.
John Negroponte, Deputy Secretary of State
Ambassador Christopher Hill, Assistant Secretary of State
Blair Hall, Director, EAP/RSP
Kaye Lee, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary
Ted Wittenstein, Special Assistant to the Deputy Secretary
Colleen Kelly, EAP/RSP
Kevin Sheives, EAP/RSP
Andrew Buntrock, Notetaker
JONES