AMBASSADOR URGES CHINESE SUPPORT ON GEORGIA-RUSSIA

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 003244 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/22/2028 TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR MOPS RS CH GG SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR URGES CHINESE SUPPORT ON GEORGIA-RUSSIA CONFLICT Classified By: POLITICAL MINISTER COUNSELOR AUBREY CARLSON. Reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) In an August 22 telephone call to MFA International Organizations and Conferences Department Director General Wu Hailong, the Ambassador urged China to express in international and multilateral fora unequivocal support for Georgia's independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity within its internationally recognized borders. He urged China to weigh in both publicly and diplomatically to call for Russian forces to rapidly withdraw as required by the ceasefire agreement and for Russia to cease all hostilities in Georgia. The Ambassador also urged that China join the United States in pressing Russia not to recognize South Ossetia as an independent state. ¶2. (C) In response, DG Wu noted that the UNSC is now debating two draft resolutions on the Russia-Georgia conflict. He said that China has no problem with UNSC action on this issue but that this action should "benefit and lead toward a peaceful solution through dialogue." The aim of any UNSC action should be to restore peace and stability, Wu added. He emphasized several times that the UNSC should reach consensus "as soon as possible." In closing, Wu said that China welcomes bilateral contacts with the United States on this issue, either in Beijing or New York. ¶3. (SBU) Note: Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi was unavailable to speak with the Ambassador because he is currently out of the country. RANDT