ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT WAINSTEIN URGES MFA TO

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001883 SIPDIS NSC FOR NSC/CT RASMUSSEN AND PORTER E.O. 12958: DECL: 05/15/2018 TAGS: PREL PTER PGOV KOLY CH SUBJECT: ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT WAINSTEIN URGES MFA TO ENHANCE BILATERAL OLYMPIC SECURITY COOPERATION Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1. 4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (S) To reassure the United States that China is addressing threats to the Olympics, Beijing must share information gleaned from Chinese investigations based on U.S.-provided threat information, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Ken Wainstein told Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi on May 13. The United States wants the Olympics to be safe, free from terrorist attack and a springboard to closer bilateral cooperation, but is concerned that information exchanges are not as "mutual" as they should be. He urged China to finalize the remaining details that will enable U.S. security officials and the President's support team to travel to China. AFM Liu said the United States can "rest assured" that China will do all it can to fight terrorism and will cooperate closely with the United States. China shares with the United States the sense of urgency to conclude agreements allowing the entry into China of U.S. security personnel. On other subjects, AFM Liu asked the United States to guarantee the "safety and dignity" of Chinese officials attending the Strategic Economic Dialogue in Washington in June, to continue to give "due attention" to the protection of Chinese diplomats and facilities in the United States and to support listing the East Turkestan Liberation Organization on the UNSCR 1267 list. End Summary. Sichuan Earthquake -------------- ¶2. (U) Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism Ken Wainstein, in a May 13 meeting with Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi, expressed condolences on behalf of President Bush and the U.S. Government for the loss of life in the recent earthquake in Sichuan Province and offered "any assistance the United States can provide." AFM Liu thanked Wainstein for the expression of sympathy and the generous offer of assistance. Because the earthquake was centered in a remote area that is difficult to access, the full extent of the disaster is not yet known, he said. With strong leadership, solidarity and international sympathy, the Chinese people will overcome this tragedy, he stated. Olympic Security Cooperation ; -------------- ¶3. (S) AFM Liu said China "attaches great importance" to its counterterrorism relationship with the United States and supports enhanced bilateral cooperation to ensure a safe environment for Olympic athletes, spectators and visiting U.S. officials. He thanked the United States for arranging a successful torch relay in San Francisco and for not "politicizing the Olympic Games." This "strong message of solidarity" with China will ensure the Olympic spirit is strong among all nations. Because all countries are terrorist targets, China wants to continue closely cooperating with the United States, he said, describing international counterterrorism efforts as "only as strong as the weakest link." ¶4. (S) Wainstein said President Bush is looking forward to visiting China and attending the Games. The United States wants the Olympics to be safe, free from terrorist attack and a springboard to closer bilateral cooperation. Wainstein said President Bush sentQm to Beijing to reiterate thiQ message. Because the global threat from terrorism will not disappear anytime soon, tactical and strategic cooperation is required. Although thQnited States appreciates the efforts the Chinese have already taken to ensure a safe and secure Games, a few remaining issues require urgent action. He expressed hope that a Memorandum of Understanding can be concluded soon to address these issues. He also urged China to issue double-entry visas to U.S. security officials, which is a matter of particular importance, he said, because the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games will take place within weeks of each other. The United States and China also mut resolve the remaining details involving the ize of the BEIJING 00001883 002 OF 002 President's support team. ¶5. (S) Wainstein said another issue of concern is the real threat to the Olympics posed by operatives from the East Turkestan Independence Movement/Party (ETIM/ETIP). He told AFM Liu that recent reporting has given the United States cause for concern that a Pakistan-based ETIM/ETIP terrorist is playing a key role in an ongoing plot to conduct attacks in various locations in China aimed at disrupting the Olympics. The United States has shared specific, threat-related information over the last few months with China on terrorist activities and will provide an update to the U.S. Threat Assessment Report on the Olympics soon. Although the United States is aware that China has taken action and made arrests based on U.S. information, Washington is concerned that bilateral information exchanges are not as "mutual" as they should be. It is critical that leads China gleans from investigations based on U.S.-provided information be shared with the United States. This is the only way the United States can have comfort that China is addressing these threats, he told AFM Liu. He urged China to take steps to enhance its bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism issues, and particularly on the sharing of terrorism-related information, with the United States. ¶6. (C) AFM Liu said China attaches great importance to its information-sharing arrangements with the United States and promised to share Wainstein's message with relevant Chinese agencies to ensure "we are all on the same page." He assured Wainstein that two-way information exchanges will continue beyond the Olympics. China shares with the United States the sense of urgency to conclude an MOU as quickly as possible to enable U.S. security personnel to enter China. China agrees that arrangements must be finalized quickly concerning the President's support team. AFM Liu said the United States can "rest assured" that China will do all it can to fight terrorism and will cooperate closely with the United States. "It's in our mutual interest," he added. AFM Liu Makes Three Requests -------------- ¶7. (S) AFM Liu sought U.S. assistance on three issues. First, he said, China hopes security arrangements will be made to guarantee the "safety and dignity" of Chinese officials attending the Strategic Economic Dialogue in Washington in June. Second, Beijing appreciates U.S. efforts to protect Chinese diplomats and facilities in the United States and hopes Washington will continue to give "due attention" to this issue. Third, China requests the United States support listing the East Turkestan Liberation Organization on the UNSCR 1267 list. The World Uighur Congress headed by Rebiya Kadeer and entities affiliated with her organization are terrorist organizations that have carried out attacks targeting China, AFM Liu claimed. He expressed hope that Uighurs remaining in Guantanamo will be repatriated to China. Beijing was "disturbed" to see reports that a terrorist released from Guantanamo was discovered to have resumed terrorist activities, he said. ¶8. (U) The delegation has cleared this cable. RANDT