CHINA HAS FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS REGARDING A HONG

S E C R E T BEIJING 001209 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/MTR E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/31/2033 TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL ETTC CH IR HK SUBJECT: CHINA HAS FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS REGARDING A HONG KONG FIRM'S SUPPLY OF ALUMINUM PLATES TO IRAN (S) REF: A. BEIJING 1109 ¶B. HONG KONG 575 ¶C. STATE 29703 Classified By: Political Regional Unit Chief Mark Tesone. Reasons 1.4 (b),(c) and (d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request; please paragraph 3. ¶2. (S) MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Department Missile Division Third Secretary He Yi asked PolOff on March 31 if the United States can provide additional information to assist China with its investigation of a possible delivery of Chinese-origin aluminum zinc alloy plates to Iran by a Hong Kong firm. Specifically, He Yi said, China would appreciate: -- receiving any additional information the United States can share on the Harbin-based Northeast Light Alloy Company, Ltd., and -- knowing whether Hong Kong Trade and Industrial Development officers have responded directly to the United States concerning their investigation of the Hong Kong Most Group. He Yi said China continues to investigate this shipment and will share with the United States the results of its investigation. ¶3. (U) Action Request: Post requests Department assistance to respond to He Yi's queries. RANDIT NNNN End Cable Text