AMBASSADOR'S SEPTEMBER 19 DINNER WITH VICE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 003702 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/24/2032 TAGS: PREL PINR PGOV KOLY SOCI EAID CH TW SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR'S SEPTEMBER 19 DINNER WITH VICE PRESIDENT XI, VICE PREMIER HUI Classified By: DCM Daniel Piccuta. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) At a September 19 event for the diplomatic corps to celebrate the recent China-hosted Olympics and Paralympics, Vice President Xi Jinping expressed appreciation for President Bush's positive role in U.S.-China relations and acknowledged China's need for "change and reform." Also at the event, Vice Premier Hui Liangyu described his experience with earthquake relief efforts. End summary. ¶2. (U) On September 19, Ambassador and Mrs. Randt attended the Olympics and Paralympics Appreciation Reception and Dinner hosted by the Foreign Ministry at Diaoyutai State Guest House in Beijing for all foreign Chiefs of Mission. Despite the fact that the Ambassador is about 12th on the Chinese formal protocol list of envoys to Beijing, the Ambassador was seated to the right of Vice President Xi Jinping, China's top-ranking host at the dinner and the senior-most PRC official in charge of preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. To the Ambassador's right was Vice Premier Hui Liangyu. VP Xi on U.S.-China Relations, Olympics, Need for Reform -------------- -------------- ¶3. (C) At the dinner, Vice President Xi noted that in his new position in the Central Government, he has had to study foreign affairs and, in particular, about U.S.-China relations because of their importance to China. He said that the Chinese Government and the Chinese people were greatly appreciative of President Bush's declining to politicize the Olympic Games and his attendance with his family. He praised the President for his role in the "steady growth" of U.S.-China relations, stating that the President understood China and the challenges it faces. This was clear to him and greatly appreciated. ¶4. (C) VP Xi reflected that "we are not satisfied with the way things are in China and we know that we need constant change and reform." Realistically, however, change and reform are difficult to effect in such a large society and country. ¶5. (C) Returning to U.S.-China relations, VP Xi emphasized the importance of monitoring the flow of two-way "high-level visits" between the United States and China. He noted that the Chinese leadership is currently considering proposed plans for visits after the new Administration takes office. (Note: VP Xi did not mention Taiwan.) ¶6. (C) VP Xi was very pleased with the Olympics and Paralympics. He said that the Olympics provided an opportunity for "the outside world to learn about China and for China to learn about the outside world." Biographic Note: Vice Premier Hui Liangyu -------------- ¶7. (C) Vice Premier Hui Liangyu proved an animated dinner partner in conversation with Mrs. Randt. Discussing a school for migrant workers' children in Beijing in which Mrs. Randt is active, Hui surprisingly was not only familiar with the school but knew the founder and headmistress. Hui noted he had worked in Sichuan and is active in the earthquake relief effort there. Recently, his daughter personally escorted six orphans from Sichuan to the school for migrant workers' children in Beijing. These six orphans have relatives in Beijing. Hui added that he had previous experience with earthquake relief having been directly involved in the recovery effort after the 1998 earthquake in Lijiang in Yunnan Province. RANDT