AFM LIU JIEYI EXPRESSES PRC OPPOSITION TO APRIL 21

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 001462

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E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/16/2028
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KIRF CH
SUBJECT: AFM LIU JIEYI EXPRESSES PRC OPPOSITION TO APRIL 21
UNDER SECRETARY DOBRIANSKY MEETING WITH THE DALAI LAMA

Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (C) In an April 16 conversation with the Ambassador,
Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi expressed China's
"strong opposition" to an April 21 meeting between Under
Secretary Dobriansky and the Dalai Lama. AFM Liu said the

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Dalai Lama was responsible for the recent "beating, smashing,
looting and burning" in Tibet, the facts about which "speak
for themselves." The purpose of the Dalai Lama's visit, Liu
alleged, is to spread "his independence agenda." He
cautioned that such a meeting would "seriously damage
bilateral relations" and "lead to obstacles to further
Chinese contact with the Dalai side's people." Liu called on
the United States to remain committed to its recognition that
Tibet is part of China and continue to oppose Tibetan
independence. Any meeting by a U.S. Government official with
the Dalai Lama, no matter the venue, sends the wrong signal
to Dalai Lama supporters and encourages independence forces.


2. (C) The Ambassador responded that U.S. policy toward Tibet
has not changed. We recognize that Tibet is part of China
and do not support Tibetan independence. At the same time,
we view the Dalai Lama as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning,
internationally revered religious leader. For this reason,
U.S. officials will continue to meet with the Dalai Lama,
including Under Secretary Dobriansky in Michigan. The United
States continues to urge a peaceful solution to the unrest in
Tibet and in Tibetan areas outside of Tibet and urges China
to engage in dialogue with the Dalai Lama or his
representatives.
RANDT