(S) DEMARCHE TO TAIWAN ON MISTAKEN SHIPMENT OF

S E C R E T AIT TAIPEI 000431 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/25/2028 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL TW CH SUBJECT: (S) DEMARCHE TO TAIWAN ON MISTAKEN SHIPMENT OF MISSILE COMPONENTS REF: SECSTATE 30491 Classified By: AIT Director Stephen M. Young, Reason 1.4 (b/d)1 ¶1. (S) Director met with Defense Minister Michael Tsai at 1730 hours local (0530 EDT) to deliver reftel points and leave as a nonpaper. Chief of the General Staff General Huoh Shou-yeh and other senior advisers also attended the meeting. Minister Tsai expressed appreciation for our candid explanation of this incident, and pledged Taiwan MND's full cooperation in the DOD investigation. Informed of the U.S. intention to make this incident public, Minister Tsai expressed some concern that our explanation in no way harm the robust U.S.-Taiwan security cooperation relationship. DIR assured the Minister that our intention was to express gratitude to Taiwan for its cooperation in quickly and successfully resolving this situation. Cautioning that our private explanation not be disclosed pending DOD's public disclosure, I suggested that the Minister brief President Chen this evening of our meeting, to avoid any misunderstandings when Washington's press conference occurs. Minister Tsai indicated he would do so promptly. ¶2. (S) Comment: The meeting was cordial and conducted as among friends. Minister Tsai also pledged to work cooperatively with President-Elect Ma Ying-jeou to brief him fully on U.S.-Taiwan security cooperation during the transition to the new government. YOUNG