CHINA OPPOSES TAIWAN ARMS SALES, DALAI LAMA VISIT;

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003176 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/19/2033 TAGS: PREL MASS PHUM KIRF KOLY CH TW SUBJECT: CHINA OPPOSES TAIWAN ARMS SALES, DALAI LAMA VISIT; AMBASSADOR RAISES HUMAN RIGHTS CASES Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi requested a meeting with the Ambassador August 19 to warn of damage to bilateral relations and cross-Strait stability if the United States announces new advanced weapons sales to Taiwan. Liu expressed concern that Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou discussed arms purchases during his recent U.S. transit stop. The Ambassador responded that the United States remains committed to its one-China policy and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) and is encouraged by positive developments in cross-Strait relations. However, China's continuing rapid build-up of military forces along the Strait is noted. On Tibet, Liu warned of "serious negative consequences" to bilateral ties if senior American officials meet the Dalai Lama during his upcoming visit to the United States. The Ambassador explained that the Dalai Lama is an internationally revered religious figure and U.S. officials meet with him in that capacity. The Ambassador expressed U.S. concern over harassment of Hua Huiqi, who was detained on his way to an August 10 church service attended by President Bush, and the house arrest of Zeng Jinyan, the wife of imprisoned rights activist Hu Jia. End summary. Taiwan Arms Sales -------------- ¶2. (C) In an August 19 meeting with the Ambassador, AFM Liu Jieyi said that Chinese officials recently heard that the Administration may soon notify Congress about a U.S. sale to Taiwan of a package of advanced weapons that would include Patriot PAC III surface-to- air missiles, "E2-2000" aircraft (note: Liu probably meant E2 Hawkeye aircraft),Apache and Blackhawk helicopters, Harpoon surfce-to-surface missiles as well as anti-tank missiles. Liu added that it had come to China's attention that during Taiwan President Ma Ying-Jeou's recent transit of the United States, these sales were discussed and "certain individuals" suggested that Taiwan should also procure F-16 C/D fighter aircraft. ¶3. (C) Liu told the Ambassador that any such weapons sales to Taiwan would seriously violate the principles of the three Joint Communiques, constitute an "unacceptable interference in China's internal affairs" and hamper China's national reunification. China firmly opposes such weapons sales, he continued. Liu noted that recent positive developments in cross-Strait relations are in the interest of many countries, including the United States, and he urged the United States to handle relations with Taiwan prudently so as to avoid harming Sino-U.S. ties and hampering cross-Strait relations. ¶4. (C) In response, the Ambassador stressed the United States' continuing commitment to our one-China policy, the three Joint Communiques and the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The United States, he stated, does not support Taiwan independence. The United States is encouraged by positive developments in cross-Strait relations. However, China's continuing rapid build-up and deployment of military forces along the Strait is noted. ¶5. (C) AFM Liu reiterated China's firm opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan. China's military deployments are designed to prevent Taiwan separatist elements from creating a dangerous situation and are no threat to the Taiwan people or to cross-Strait stability, he averred. Dalai Lama Visit to United States -------------- ¶6. (C) AFM Liu said his Government had heard of the possibility that the Dalai Lama will make another trip to the United States and that some "people are trying to set up a meeting" between the Dalai Lama and the President in September. China is seriously concerned and "firmly opposed" to such a visit. AFM Liu said the Chinese side has made its position clear directly to the National Security Council, but that "there does not seem to be sufficient attention given to Chinese BEIJING 00003176 002 OF 002 concerns" and China is "strongly dissatisfied." ¶7. (C) AFM Liu then delivered standard PRC points that the Dalai Lama is seeking to split China and sabotage ethnic unity and social stability in the name of religion and peace and that a visit by the Dalai Lama would be used to "create opportunities" for separatist activities and to "smear" China's image and damage U.S.-China relations. Any contact with senior officials "in any form" would send the wrong signal to the Dalai Lama and separatist forces and harm the U.S.-China relationship. China's differences with the Dalai Lama are not about religion, ethnic groups, or human rights, Liu asserted, but about national unity. China has recently engaged in two rounds of contacts and dialogue with the private representatives of the Dalai Lama, and this dialogue can move forward if the Dalai Lama publicly and clearly commits himself to stop all interference in the Olympics, cease inciting violence and terrorism by "Tibetan youth groups," and halt his support of Tibetan independence. ¶8. (C) The U.S.-China relationship is enjoying good momentum, Liu added, with fruitful coordination and cooperation on a host of issues. President Bush and his family just concluded a successful visit to Beijing, and maintaining good relations is in the interest of both sides. The United States should not allow the Dalai Lama to visit, much less meet with senior officials. If the United States allows the Dalai Lama to visit despite China's position, then there will be "serious negative consequences to our relationship." ¶9. (C) The Ambassador responded that U.S. policy remains consistent and clear: Tibet is a part of China. The United States, however, does have a different view of the Dalai Lama; we view him as an internationally revered religious figure. U.S. officials have met with the Dalai Lama as such a figure in the past and likely will in the future. The United States supports dialogue between the PRC Government and the Dalai Lama, and we hope recent dialogue will continue, be substantive and bring meaningful improvements to the situation on the ground in Tibetan areas. We believe China should be able to work with the Dalai Lama to address Tibet-related issues. The Dalai Lama does not seek independence for Tibet, but rather autonomy. ¶10. (C) AMF Liu replied that the objectives of the Dalai Lama's travel to countries around the world are political in nature. Liu claimed that the Dalai Lama's definition of autonomy goes "far beyond autonomy." Human Rights: Hua Huiqi and Zeng Jinyan -------------- ¶11. (C) The Ambassador noted reports that house church leader Hua Huiqi and his brother were detained while en route to Kuanjie Church on August 10, the morning that President Bush attended worship services there. The Ambassador reminded AFM Liu that Hua reportedly remains in hiding, despite Chinese Government claims that he is now "free." The Ambassador pressed the Chinese authorities to stop harassing Hua and his family members immediately. ¶12. (C) The Ambassador urged China to immediately release rights activist Zeng Jinyan (wife of imprisoned rights activist Hu Jia) from house arrest. AFM Liu said he was "not sure" whether "detentions" had taken place in the cases of Hua and Zeng but offered that "there are laws in place" in China and such cases "are dealt with according to law." The Ambasasador urged China to restore Zeng's right of peaceful expression. RANDT