PRC-PAKISTAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION: CHINA WILL ABIDE

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 004147 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/CM, ISN/RA MENNIS, SCA/RA JMCCLELLAN E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/06/2033 TAGS: PREL PARM ETTC PGOV AORC ECON CH PK SUBJECT: PRC-PAKISTAN NUCLEAR COOPERATION: CHINA WILL ABIDE BY INTERNATIONAL COMMITMENTS, MFA SAYS REF: STATE 117453 (NOTAL) Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4 (B/D). ¶1. (C) The United States need not be concerned about China-Pakistan civilian nuclear cooperation, because China will "strictly abide" by obligations and commitments it has made to the international community, MFA Asian Affairs Department Afghanistan and Pakistan Division Director Zhang Yiming told PolMinCouns November 6 in response to reftel points expressing U.S. concern about reported PRC-Pakistan agreement to build additional nuclear power plants in Pakistan. While not commenting on either the substance of China's NSG commitments or the specifics of possible plans for Chasma III and IV nuclear reactors or other projects, Director Zhang noted China's oft-iterated position supporting countries' rights to pursue peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with international nonproliferation norms. ¶2. (C) Pressed on the nature of China's future nuclear cooperation with Pakistan, Director Zhang only noted that "interest is high" in Pakistan for future cooperation. Asked how China would propose to reconcile its NSG commitments with any nuclear cooperation with Pakistan beyond that outlined in -- and therefore grandfathered by -- its 2004 NSG statement, Zhang declined to provide further details, saying only that he would convey U.S. concerns and requests for clarification to his superiors and to the MFA Arms Control Department (which since the October 3 USG announcement of arms sales to Taiwan is not taking our requests for meetings). ¶3. (C) Director Zhang said that China and Pakistan are neighboring countries and that Pakistan is an important strategic partner of China in South Asia. China attaches special importance to "mutually beneficial cooperation" with Pakistan, Zhang said, emphasizing that such bilateral cooperation is "not aimed at any third country." Director Zhang stated that solid China-Pakistan relations can "help stabilize security in the region, not jeopardize it." Noting that Chasma I and II are under IAEA safeguards, Director Zhang said that Pakistan is facing an energy crisis that could threaten the stability of the economy. ¶4. (SBU) Director Zhang suggested increasing consultations with the United States on Pakistan and welcomed the idea of another round of the U.S.-China SCA sub-dialogue. ¶5. (SBU) Note: Post contacted both the German and UK Embassies regarding delivery of this demarche. Neither had received instructions on this issue, so Post delivered points to MFA without their participation. RANDT