Liu Jieyi Expresses PRC Opposition to Possible Inclusion of

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 002392 SIPDIS E.O. 12598: DECL: 04/16/28 TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV KIRF CH SUBJECT: Liu Jieyi Expresses PRC Opposition to Possible Inclusion of Tibet in G-8 Agenda, Discussions or Documents Classified by Acting Political Section Chief Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). ¶1. (C) In a June 18 conversation with the Charge, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi expressed China's "grave concern and clear opposition" to the inclusion of any reference to Tibet in the agendas, discussions or outcome documents of any upcoming G-8 meetings. AFM Liu said China has information that "some countries" are pushing for the inclusion of "the Tibet issue" in the Summit and Foreign Minister meetings and for a reference to the Tibet issue in the statements coming out of the Summit. China will "by no means accept" the inclusion of Tibet in G-8 meetings, which would constitute "gross interference in China's internal affairs" and harm China's stable relations with all G-8 countries. Bringing the Tibet issue into the G-8 discussions would be counterproductive, because it would "interfere in an adverse way" with contacts between the Chinese Government and "the Dalai side." Tibet is an internal affair of China and the contacts with "the Dalai side" are an internal manner, he stressed. ¶2. (C) The door to dialogue with "Dalai" remains open, AFM Liu stressed. The relevant departments in the Chinese Government are discussing details and procedures for the talks and preparing to "engage the Dalai side in the near future." China hopes "Dalai" will demonstrate sincerity and stop instigating violence and acts to sabotage the Beijing Olympics. ¶3. (C) AFM Liu cited the fact that U.S.-China relations are stable and improving, and he noted the upcoming meeting between President Bush and President Hu in Japan, the meetings underway in the United States between Vice Premier Wang Qishan and Treasury Secretary Paulson and the planned visit of Secretary Rice to China. "We want to maintain good relations, but that requires effort by both sides," Liu said. ¶4. (C) AFM Liu stressed the "utmost sensitivity" of the Tibet issue and asked the United States to play a "decisive role" in opposing any reference to Tibet in the G-8. He also urged the United States to recognize that Tibet is part of China and not to support Tibet independence. Raising Tibet in the G-8 context would not help the situation, and would be "counterproductive." ¶5. (C) The Charge responded that U.S. policy toward Tibet has not changed. Our hope is to be constructive in encouraging contacts between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama's representatives. He referred to recent articles in the Hong Kong media that noted positive and conciliatory gestures and statements from the Dalai Lama and asked Liu for China's assessment. "We follow what they say very closely, and will continue to watch what they say closely," Liu answered. PICCUTA