AMBASSADOR AND PRC EVFM WANG DISCUSS TIBET,

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