Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BEIJING1718
2008-05-05 11:01:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR AND PRC EVFM WANG DISCUSS TIBET,

Tags:  PREL PHUM PGOV KOLY KIRF ASEC PTER CH 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO5250
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #1718/01 1261101
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 051101Z MAY 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7050
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON IMMEDIATE 3359
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI IMMEDIATE 4542
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001718 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2033
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KOLY KIRF ASEC PTER CH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND PRC EVFM WANG DISCUSS TIBET,
CONVENTIONAL ARMS SALES, ENVIRONMENT, COCA II, AND OTHER
ISSUES

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

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001718

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/05/2033
TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KOLY KIRF ASEC PTER CH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR AND PRC EVFM WANG DISCUSS TIBET,
CONVENTIONAL ARMS SALES, ENVIRONMENT, COCA II, AND OTHER
ISSUES

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


1. (C) Summary: In a wide-ranging discussion during a lunch
hosted by the Ambassador May 5, PRC Executive Vice Foreign
Minister Wang Yi confirmed that China is willing to continue
talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives but that the
success of the talks hinge on the Dalai Lama's "sincerity."
Wang claimed that inconsistent positions in Western countries
encouraged Tibetan independence activists. The Ambassador
encouraged China to engage in substantive dialogue with the
Dalai Lama and his representatives, beginning with
confidence-building measures. The Ambassador also urged
China not to sell conventional arms to Iran. EVFM Wang
highlighted the need for further bilateral cooperation on the
environment. According to Director General Zheng Zeguang,
the Chinese Government will take a positive attitude towards
a second Conditions of Construction Agreement (COCA II). End
summary.

Tibet
--------------


2. (C) During his May 5 lunch for EVFM Wang Yi, the
Ambassador encouraged China to engage in substantive dialogue
with the Dalai Lama and his representatives, beginning with
confidence-building measures. Wang responded that China will
continue talks with representatives of the Dalai Lama, but
the key issue is the Dalai Lama's "sincerity." EVFM Wang
questioned whether the Dalai Lama will use his influence to
end "ongoing" activities intended to "split China, disrupt
the Olympics and foment violence." Wang noted Chinese
concerns that, though the Dalai Lama may not control all
elements within the Tibetan exile community, the Dalai Lama
"has the final say" on their actions.


3. (C) EVFM Wang said the Dalai Lama is "two-faced." On the
one hand, the Dalai Lama says he does not support
independence for Tibet or the use of violence. However,
according to Wang, the Dalai Lama presides over a Tibetan
exile community that promotes its own flag and constitution.
Wang noted in particular the "violent activities" of the
Tibetan Youth Congress.


4. (C) Wang stated that he hopes the United States and other
Western nations will not hold contradictory positions on
Tibet. He said though many Western nations formally affirm
that Tibet is an integral part of China, many in the exiled
Tibetan community believe those same nations support their
independence cause, and that support encourages their
activities. China hopes Western nations can disabuse the
Tibetan exiles of the impression that they support Tibetan
independence.

Chinese conventional arms sales to Iran
--------------


5. (C) The Ambassador urged China not to sell conventional
arms to Iran. The Ambassador noted in particular U.S.
concern that Chinese-made MANPADS originally sold to Iran
were found in the possession of anti-coalition forces in
Iraq. He urged the Chinese to consider the possible havoc if
terrorists were to down a civilian jetliner during the
Olympic Games and the impact on U.S.-China relations of
Americans being killed by Chinese weapons.

U.S.-China cooperation on the environment
--------------


6. (C) Saying it was "high time" for China to address
domestic environmental problems, EVFM Wang noted that China
is seeking to "pass through" this polluting phase of its
development as quickly as possible. The Ambassador noted the
extensive bilateral cooperation on environmental issues and
suggested U.S. high technology, particularly if allowed into
China tariff-free, could assist China in addressing
environmental concerns.

COCA II
--------------


7. (C) The Ambassador noted an OBO delegation is scheduled to
visit China May 28 to discuss a COCA II, which would address
such facility issues as the Mission plan for the construction
of a new Consulate in Guangzhou and for the Chinese
Government's desire to refurbish its diplomatic facilities in
the United States. MFA North America Division Director
General Zheng Zeguang said that China will take a positive
attitude towards discussions on a COCA II.

BEIJING 00001718 002 OF 002



Positive developments and area for future cooperation
-------------- --------------


8. (C) The Ambassador noted the many recent positive
developments in bilateral relations, including the agreement
to resume our bilateral Human Rights Dialogue, the recent
holding of the Strategic Nuclear Dialogue, and the
establishment of the Defense Telephone Link between the
Pentagon and the Chinese Ministry of Defense.
RANDT