PRC: DIALOGUE WITH DALAI LAMA REPRESENTATIVES

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002649 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/07/2033 TAGS: PREL PINS PHUM KOLY CH SUBJECT: PRC: DIALOGUE WITH DALAI LAMA REPRESENTATIVES YIELDS LITTLE PROGRESS Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) During July 1-2 talks between the Chinese Government and representatives of the Dalai Lama, Chinese official statements slightly modified earlier Chinese demands, saying the Dalai Lama should "not support" rather than "stop" independence, violence, actions of the Tibetan Youth Congress, and disruptions of the Olympics. Although the two sides agreed to renew the dialogue in October, the Chinese side conditioned further talks on the Dalai Lama's meeting China's "simple and rational requirements." Lodi Gyari publicly bemoaned China's lack of "sincere commitment" and suggested that the Chinese leadership is "stalling for time." Generally knowledgeable Embassy contacts without direct knowledge of the results of the talks told POLOFF that China's basic strategy seems to be to wait for the Dalai Lama to die. These observers said all signs show the dialogue is "not serious" and is held primarily to "create a good international image." End Summary. "Four Not Supports" Replace "Three Stops" -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Chinese United Front Work Department (UFWD) officials met July 1-2 in Beijing with the Dalai Lama's personal representatives Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen. This was the second such meeting since the unrest in Tibetan areas in mid-March and the eighth round of talks since 2002. A UFWD spokesman told reporters July 6 that the dialogue was "frank and open" and that the Government had listened "patiently and attentively." He acknowledged, however, that "very large differences" remain between the two sides. The spokesman emphasized the Chinese Government's "goodwill" in asking the Dalai Lama "not to support" independence, violence or disruption of the Olympics rather than demanding that he "stop" doing so, as in previous statements. Du Qinglin, Vice Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Congress (CPPCC) and the Head of UFWD, said the Dalai Lama should not support 1) activities to disturb the Beijing Olympics, 2) plots to fan violent criminal activity, 3) violent terrorist activities of the Tibetan Youth Congress and 4) any activity designed to seek Tibet Independence and split China. The spokesman explained that the "four not supports" replace the "three stops;" i.e., that the Dalai Lama stop activities aimed at splitting China, inciting violence and sabotaging the Beijing Olympics. The "four not supports" are more "practical and easy" for the Dalai Lama to accept, he said. Preconditions for Next Round of Dialogue -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Lodi Gyari and Kelsang Gyaltsen issued a public statement July 5 saying the two sides agreed to resume talks in October, but expressed frustration that the Chinese side rejected a proposal for a joint statement of commitment to the dialogue process. The UFWD spokesman said that door is open for dialogue as long as the Dalai Lama's "actions meet his words" and he carries out the "four not supports." If the Dalai Lama fails to meet such "simple and rational requirements," however, it will be impossible to have the necessary atmosphere and conditions for the next round of contacts, the UFWD spokesman said. Waiting for the Dalai Lama to Die -------------- ¶4. (C) Lodi Gyari told Western reporters July 5 that "there is a growing perception" that the Chinese Government is just engaging in dialogue to "stall for time." He said he told the Chinese representatives that in the absence of a "serious and sincere commitment," there is no purpose in continuing the dialogue. In the Chinese version of Du Qinglin's public comments on the "four not supports," Du referred to the Dalai Lama's "few remaining years." Wang Wen, (protect) editor of the International Forum Page of the People's Daily-owned Global Times told POLOFF on July 1 that China's strategy is to "wait until the Dalai Lama dies." In the meantime, he said, "China can talk and talk, for 15 to 20 years if necessary," and blame lack of progress on the Dalai Lama. BEIJING 00002649 002 OF 002 ¶5. (C) Zhang Xiaojun (protect) Associate Dean of Renmin University's School of International Studies, told POLOFF on July 2 that the negotiations between the Chinese Government and the Dalai Lama's representatives are "not serious." He explained that there is no common ground between the two sides and that they are "too far apart" to make real progress. He noted that the dialogue was held in a shabby room in a "third rate" hotel in Beijing, which purposely showed disrespect to the Dalai Lama. The negotiations are "for show," in an effort create a good international image, Zhang said. Wang Wen also said that the dialogue is designed to placate the international community rather than to seek a real solution. Wang opined that "there is no way" China would allow the Dalai Lama to return to Tibet, because that would surely cause unrest. "China has enough internal problems, and does not need to create another one," Wang said. RANDT