Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BEIJING3008
2008-08-04 11:30:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

AMBASSADOR URGES RESTRAINT TOWARD PROTESTS DURING

Tags:  PREL KOLY PGOV CH 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO2662
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #3008 2171130
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 041130Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 8970
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 003008 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/04/2033
TAGS: PREL KOLY PGOV CH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR URGES RESTRAINT TOWARD PROTESTS DURING
OLYMPICS

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 BEIJING 003008

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/04/2033
TAGS: PREL KOLY PGOV CH
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR URGES RESTRAINT TOWARD PROTESTS DURING
OLYMPICS

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


1. (C) China should deal with protests during the Olympics
prudently and carefully, avoiding any violent overreaction,
the Ambassador urged Vice Foreign Minister Zhang Yesui during
an August 4 meeting (other topics reported septels). While
it is possible that some groups could attempt to generate a
confrontation during the Olympic Games, China should exercise
restraint in its response. If China were to overreact in a
violent way toward protestors, President Bush and the U.S.
Government would have no choice but to respond publicly. We
hope to avoid this unfortunate outcome but want the Chinese
Government to understand the U.S. position in advance, the
Ambassador stated.


2. (C) Responding to protests in a prudent manner is exactly
what China plans to do, VFM Zhang replied. A safe and smooth
Olympics is the responsibility of both China as host and the
IOC; it is also the shared aspiration of the Olympic athletes
and people around the world. Unless a terrorist attack
occurs during the Games that jeopardizes the safety of
athletes and spectators, China will handle all protests in a
"soft and prudent way," VFM Zhang asserted.
RANDT