AFM LIU EXPRESSES CHINA'S "FIRM OPPOSITION" TO

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003759 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/26/2028 TAGS: PREL PHUM PGOV TW CH SUBJECT: AFM LIU EXPRESSES CHINA'S "FIRM OPPOSITION" TO POTUS COMMUNICATION WITH DALAI LAMA REF: A. BEIJING 3681 ¶B. BEIJING 3119 Classified By: Ambassador Clark T. Randt, Jr. Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). Summary -------------- ¶1. (C) In a September 26 meeting called by the Chinese, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi expressed China's "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to President Bush's September 23 telephone call to the Dalai Lama and the inclusion of Dalai Lama representative Lodi Gyari and Democracy Movement exile Xu Wenli in the September 23 Freedom Agenda Lunch in New York. AFM Liu said China holds the United States fully responsible for these actions' "adverse impact" on U.S.-China relations. On the way out of the meeting, AFM Liu alluded to China's opposition to U.S. arms sales to Taiwan, saying "if these (Tibet-related) actions are followed by something on Taiwan, we will have a lot to handle." The Ambassador reaffirmed longstanding U.S. policies and views, stressing that China should hold serious, substantive talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives. Responding to the Ambassador's September 23 raising of the case of jailed Bible printer Shi Weihan (ref b),MFA North American Affairs Department Deputy Director General Deng Hongbo confirmed to PolMinCouns on the way out of the meeting that Shi was arrested for running an illegal business. End summary. Protest over Phone Call and Meeting -------------- ¶2. (C) Reading from a prepared text and noting that he was acting under instructions, AFM Liu Jieyi on September 26 recalled to the Ambassador that he had on September 23 raised China's "serious concerns" over a possible communication between President Bush and the Dalai Lama. Despite China's concerns, the United States insisted on going through with its plan, and President Bush talked on the telephone with the Dalai Lama on September 23. Moreover, President Bush met the same day with the Dalai Lama's representative Lodi Gyari and "so-called" democracy activist Xu Wenli at the Freedom Agenda Lunch on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York. ¶3. (C) AFM Liu expressed China's "firm opposition and strong dissatisfaction" over the call and the meeting. China is in the best position to understand the true character of the Dalai Lama, who was the "biggest serf owner" in "old Tibet" and the "leader of an autocracy." In association with foreign forces, the Dalai Lama staged an armed rebellion against China. After fleeing Tibet he became a "political monk" and has engaged in separatist activities under the cover of religion. The Chinese people, including Tibetans, firmly oppose the actions of the Dalai Lama, who wants nothing more than to sabotage China's ethnic unity and social stability and carry out separatist acts. The White House spokesman's raise of the Dalai Lama as a respected religiou leader is "contrary to the truth." ¶4. (C) These actions of the United States, AFM Liu said, send the wrong signal to "the Dalai group and other anti-China forces." These U.S. actions contravene basic international norms and constitute gross interference in China's internal affairs. The United States must take full responsibility for these actions' "adverse impact on U.S.-China relations. To respect and accommodate each other's core interests is a basic prerequisite of a healthy bilateral relationship. The Tibet issue is a core national interest of China that bears upon China's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Chinese Government firmly opposes interference in China's internal affairs in Tibet by any party in any form. China strongly urges the United States to reverse its mistake and abide by its commitment that it recognizes Tibet as a part of China and does not support Tibetan independence. Ambassador Responds -------------- ¶5. (C) The Ambassador affirmed that the United States recognizes Tibet as a part of China. The Dalai Lama, however, is an internationally respected religious leader. U.S. officials meet and otherwise communicate with him in that capacity. The President's call was generated by concern over the Dalai Lama's health. The Ambassador urged China to conduct serious, substantive talks with Tibetan representatives and take advantage of the Dalai Lama's willingness to find a solution that addresses all parties' grievances. Demonstrating increased respect for peaceful Tibetan Buddhist religious practices, the Ambassador BEIJING 00003759 002 OF 002 stressed, would contribute to long-term stability in Tibetan regions. ¶6. (C) AFM Liu rejoined that China hopes that the United States will honor its commitment that it does not support Tibetan independence "in actions as well as words." China looks forward to seeing "concrete actions" by the United States in this regard. AFM Liu added that subsequent statements of "those around the Dalai Lama" showed clearly that President Bush's call was "not so simple" as an inquiry about the Dalai Lama's health. In any case, AFM Liu concluded, the immediate issue is that the United States correct its mistake, "refrain from any action like those we've recently seen," and not interfere in the internal affairs of China. AFM Liu Alludes to Taiwan Arms Sales -------------- ¶7. (C) On the way out of the meeting, AFM Liu alluded to China's opposition to U.S. arms sale to Taiwan, saying "if these (Tibet-related) actions are followed by something on Taiwan, we will have a lot to handle." Chinese Respond on Shi Weihan Case -------------- ¶8. (C) Responding to the Ambassador's September 23 raising of the case of jailed Bible printer Shi Weihan (reftels),MFA North American Affairs Department Deputy Director General Deng Hongbo confirmed to PolMinCouns on the way out of the meeting that Shi was arrested for running an illegal business. (Note: Post was already aware of the charges against Shi.) RANDT