(S) PRC REQUESTED TO RECALL M/V SEVENTH OCEAN

S E C R E T BEIJING 001049

SIPDIS


DEPT FOR ISN, NEA AND EAP

E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/20/2033
TAGS: PARM PREL AE IR CH

SUBJECT: (S) PRC REQUESTED TO RECALL M/V SEVENTH OCEAN
SHIPMENT HELD IN DUBAI

REF: STATE 27996

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson.
Reasons 1.4 (b/d).


1. (S) PolMinCouns delivered reftel information to MFA Arms
Control Department Counselor Li Song on March 19, urging
China to recall a shipment of potassium perchlorate seized in
Dubai from the M/V Seventh Ocean and to take appropriate
steps to ensure PRC companies cease trade with Iranian
entities designated in UN Security Council Resolutions 1737
and 1747.


2. (S) Li said the PRC would immediately investigate the
case, but wondered why the United States is sharing with
China in March information about a shipment seized by the UAE
in November. He asked if the UAE seized the cargo and then
informed the United States or whether the United States asked
the UAE to detain the shipment. China has told the United
States previously, he said, that when there is a case of
proliferation concern involving a Chinese company, the
Chinese ask the United States to first inform China before
asking others to stop the shipment. Informing China after
the cargo has been seized "frustrates us," Li stated.
Nonetheless, he said, China "will do its job" and investigate
the transaction and whether it violated China's export
control laws and regulations.


3. (S) PolMinCouns explained, per reftel, that we did not
provide China with information on the shipment earlier
because we have been working to provide the most complete and
accurate information as possible. We have a shared interest
in achieving, and a shared obligation to achieve, the goals
of UNSCR 1737 by preventing this cargo from reaching a
designated Iranian entity, he told Li, and we look forward to
hearing the results of China's investigation.
RANDT


NNNN




End Cable Text