CHINA'S RESPONSE TO EFFORTS TO HALT IRANIAN

S E C R E T BEIJING 003041

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, ISN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2033
TAGS: PARM PREL PTER MNUC ECON KNNP IR CH
SUBJECT: CHINA'S RESPONSE TO EFFORTS TO HALT IRANIAN
PROCUREMENT IN CHINA

REF: STATE 083144

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.
4 (b) and (d).


1. (S) POLOFF delivered reftel demarche and non-paper
regarding prevention of Iranian procurement in China of
specific controlled commodities needed to expand uranium
enrichment activities to MFA Arms Control and Disarmament
Department Nuclear Division Director Zhang Shen. POLOFF
stressed the proactive and multilateral nature of this
effort, and noted ongoing U.S. domestic efforts to prevent
Iranian procurement of sensitive items.


2. (S) Zhang praised past "fruitful cooperation" between the
United States and China in nonproliferation efforts, and said
China will continue to "implement strongly the relevant UN
Security Council Resolutions" regarding Iran. Zhang cited
past efforts to educate local governments and companies about
restrictions on selling sensitive commodities to Iran, but
admitted that "some companies are still not aware" of these
restrictions.


3. (S) When asked about possible approaches by China to the
specific Chinese companies cited as potential sources for
Iranian procurement of high-strength aluminum alloys, vacuum
pumps and carbon fiber, Zhang said he will share the
information provided with other relevant ministries in order
to "seek assistance" in China's "further efforts to enforce
the relevant Security Council resolutions" and "educate"
Chinese companies. POLOFF encouraged Zhang to share any
information obtained about Iranian procurement efforts in
China with the United States, NSG partners and the IAEA.
RANDT