FM YANG DEFENDS CHINA'S ACTIONS IN TIBET

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001291 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE PASS USTR FOR STRATFORD/WINTER/MAIN/WINELAND E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/07/2033 TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KIRF CH TW SUBJECT: FM YANG DEFENDS CHINA'S ACTIONS IN TIBET Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson for reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) China's actions in Tibet were prompted by violent crimes instigated by the Dalai Lama "clique," Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi told Treasury Secretary Paulson April ¶2. Diplomats and journalists have been given access to Tibet, and China's actions have garnered broad international support, including from 122 countries, FM Yang claimed. China is willing to hold a dialogue with the Dalai Lama once he meets the pre-established conditions. Western governments need to be careful. Protesting the Olympics or calling for a boycott will insult the Chinese, particularly young Chinese people, and risks engendering a backlash. China has deep concerns about the potential visit of the Dalai Lama to the United States and about the possibility of an "anti-China bill" being passed in Congress. Secretary Paulson urged China to take advantage of the opportunity for engagement with Taiwan that the March 22 Taiwan election results present. End Summary. U.S. on Tibet: Urging a Peaceful Solution, Dialogue with Dalai Lama -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) The United States hopes for a peaceful resolution to the problems in Tibet and urges China to allow unfettered access for journalists and diplomats as soon as possible, Treasury Secretary Paulson told Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi April 2. He urged China to hold discussions with the Dalai Lama and reminded FM Yang that "the whole world is watching." We Restored Order after the Dalai Lama "Clique's" Violence -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) FM Yang responded that events in Lhasa were not peaceful protests, but violent crimes that resulted in 12 people burned or slashed to death. China has evidence that these crimes were instigated by the Dalai Lama "clique," Yang said, noting that any responsible government would have taken steps to restore order. Since the violence erupted, calm and social order has been restored and journalists and diplomats have been allowed to travel to Tibet to see the situation. Some Western countries appear to sympathize with the Dalai Lama, but they "do not represent the world," Yang said, saying 122 countries have voiced support for China's actions in Tibet. Over 1.3 billion Chinese people also support the Chinese Government's actions and will "never allow Tibet to be separated," he said. Yang further noted that China is firmly committed to defending its sovereignty and territorial integrity and anyone who thinks that Tibet can be split from China is "daydreaming." Preconditions for Dialogue with Dalai Lama -------------- ¶4. (C) Regarding dialogue with the Dalai Lama, FM Yang said that China maintains contact with "close relatives" of the Dalai Lama. China is willing to have contact with the Dalai Lama as soon as he stops engaging in criminal activities, ceases attempts to spoil the Olympics, ends separatist activities, recognizes that Tibet and Taiwan are inalienable parts of China and gives up all Tibetan independence activities. The Dalai Lama "clique" is trying to take advantage of China's preparation for the Olympics, Yang said. Boycott Discussion is "Insulting" -------------- ¶5. (C) Western statesmen calling for a boycott of the Olympics are insulting the Chinese people, FM Yang said. In protesting Chinese actions in Tibet, Western nations are angering a new generation of Chinese. In so doing, Western nations are "not protecting their interests," because they are failing to win the hearts and minds of a generation now coming of age. This generation feels that China is not being treated fairly by the Western media and governments. Yang elaborated, saying that young Chinese people know that the Dalai Lama "clique" is attempting to split an inalienable part of China, and as such is watching closely to see whose side Western nations are on. China is only trying to open BEIJING 00001291 002 OF 002 the country for a world sporting event, but the Dalai Lama "clique" and others are out to tarnish China's image, he said. He cited misleading photos in the Western media that mislabeled Nepalese policemen as Chinese forces dealing with protestors. "The stronger the tarnish" on the Olympics, Yang said, "the greater the cohesion of the Chinese people." With this in mind, Yang noted that China appreciates President Bush's commitment to attend the Olympics. ¶6. (C) Secretary Paulson reiterated the U.S. position on the Olympics and on Tibet, urging the Chinese to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful solution. China's Concerns: Dalai Visit, Congressional Bills -------------- -------------- ¶7. (C) FM Yang expressed China's "deep concern" that the some members of Congress are preparing to meet with the Dalai Lama in April or May. He urged the United States not to allow the Dalai Lama to enter the United States to "use the United States as a platform for his separatist activities." He also expressed concern that some members of Congress are attempting to pass an "anti-China bill," and urged steps to stop the bill's passage. Taiwan -------------- ¶8. (C) Secretary Paulson urged China to take advantage of the opportunity for constructive engagement with Taiwan that the March 22 Taiwan election results present. Yang responded that China appreciates repeated U.S. statements "opposing" Taiwan independence and the referendum on joining the UN under the name "Taiwan," as well as U.S. adherence to a one China policy and the three Joint Communiques. He urged the United States to stop all official contact with Taiwan officials, to cease sales of military items and high-tech weaponry to Taiwan and to use U.S. influence during the current transition period to curb any reckless activities by (Taiwan President) Chen Shui-bian. RANDT