Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BEIJING7
2008-01-02 09:03:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
MFA: MAINTAINING STABILITY IN PAKISTAN "A COMMON
how-toVZCZCXRO2963 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0007 0020903 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 020903Z JAN 08 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4274 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD IMMEDIATE 6649 RUEHKP/AMCONSUL KARACHI IMMEDIATE 0060 RUEHLH/AMCONSUL LAHORE IMMEDIATE 0029 RUSBPW/AMCONSUL PESHAWAR IMMEDIATE 0117
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000007
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/02/2028
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER CH PK
SUBJECT: MFA: MAINTAINING STABILITY IN PAKISTAN "A COMMON
INTEREST" OF CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES
REF: 07 STATE 170928
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4
(B/D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000007
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/02/2028
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER CH PK
SUBJECT: MFA: MAINTAINING STABILITY IN PAKISTAN "A COMMON
INTEREST" OF CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES
REF: 07 STATE 170928
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4
(B/D).
1. (C) Maintaining stability in Pakistan is a "common
interest" of China and the United States, and China stands
ready for further cooperation with the United States on
Pakistan, Asia Department Director for Pakistan Zhang Yiming
told POLOFF on January 2 in response to reftel points. Zhang
cited Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei's December 28
discussion with Under Secretary Burns on Pakistan as a "very
helpful" example of bilateral coordination and said that
China was ready to further cooperate with the United States
and the international community on Pakistan. Director Zhang
suggested that the upcoming Senior Dialogue would be an
opportunity to explore cooperation on this issue.
2. (C) As a neighbor of Pakistan, Zhang said, China remains
concerned about the ongoing crisis and believes the December
27 assassination of Benazir Bhutto a "great loss for
Pakistan." China will watch very closely developments
concerning the setting of a new election date. Zhang said
that consultations continue among the political parties and
the Election Commission of Pakistan for setting a new
election date, and that according to media reports, on
January 2, President Pervez Musharraf will make a national
address that may include announcement of a new date for
parliamentary elections. Zhang asked if the USG had an
official view on Pakistan Muslim League-N party leader Nawaz
Sharif, and whether in light of the current crisis the USG
position on implementing a democratic process might change.
PolOff emphasized that USG policy has consistently called for
the Pakistan Government to take steps, including elections,
that lead to civilian-led government but that it was up to
the people of Pakistan to decide who should lead their
country.
RANDT
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/02/2028
TAGS: PREL PGOV PTER CH PK
SUBJECT: MFA: MAINTAINING STABILITY IN PAKISTAN "A COMMON
INTEREST" OF CHINA AND THE UNITED STATES
REF: 07 STATE 170928
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.4
(B/D).
1. (C) Maintaining stability in Pakistan is a "common
interest" of China and the United States, and China stands
ready for further cooperation with the United States on
Pakistan, Asia Department Director for Pakistan Zhang Yiming
told POLOFF on January 2 in response to reftel points. Zhang
cited Assistant Foreign Minister He Yafei's December 28
discussion with Under Secretary Burns on Pakistan as a "very
helpful" example of bilateral coordination and said that
China was ready to further cooperate with the United States
and the international community on Pakistan. Director Zhang
suggested that the upcoming Senior Dialogue would be an
opportunity to explore cooperation on this issue.
2. (C) As a neighbor of Pakistan, Zhang said, China remains
concerned about the ongoing crisis and believes the December
27 assassination of Benazir Bhutto a "great loss for
Pakistan." China will watch very closely developments
concerning the setting of a new election date. Zhang said
that consultations continue among the political parties and
the Election Commission of Pakistan for setting a new
election date, and that according to media reports, on
January 2, President Pervez Musharraf will make a national
address that may include announcement of a new date for
parliamentary elections. Zhang asked if the USG had an
official view on Pakistan Muslim League-N party leader Nawaz
Sharif, and whether in light of the current crisis the USG
position on implementing a democratic process might change.
PolOff emphasized that USG policy has consistently called for
the Pakistan Government to take steps, including elections,
that lead to civilian-led government but that it was up to
the people of Pakistan to decide who should lead their
country.
RANDT