PRC INFORMED OF U.S. CONCERNS ABOUT SHIPS BEING

S E C R E T BEIJING 003358 SIPDIS DEPT FOR ISN/CPI JCHALMERS, T, IO, INR, NEA AND EAP/CM DEPT PLEASE PASS TO TREASURY E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/29/2033 TAGS: PARM PREL KNNP EFIN PINR KS CH IR SUBJECT: PRC INFORMED OF U.S. CONCERNS ABOUT SHIPS BEING SOLD TO IRISL REF: STATE 90303 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1. 4 (b),(c) and (d). ¶1. (S) PolOff conveyed reftel talking points urging China to prevent the transfer of Chinese-built ships that can carry cargoes of proliferation concern to the Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) to MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Department Missile Division Deputy Director Wang Daxue on August 29. Wang noted that UNSC Resolution 1803 does not prohibit the sale of steamships to Iran and expressed belief that China would not block the sale unless the transaction violated international law or a UN Security Council resolution. Wang promised to convey our request to his superiors. Wang asked whether the United States had any evidence that the ships in question would be used for activities in violation of UNSCR 1803. RANDT