JAPANESE ON ENGAGING CHINA ON

S E C R E T TOKYO 002624 SIPDIS DEPARTMENT FOR ISN, INR, T, NEA, EUR, EAP AND ISN/CPI NEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/22/2018 TAGS: PREL PARM PTER ECON EFIN IR CH JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE ON ENGAGING CHINA ON PROLIFERATION-RELATED TRADE WITH IRAN REF: STATE 99000 (NOTAL) Classified By: Ambassador J. Thomas Schieffer for reasons 1.4(b) and (d ) ¶1. (S) Japan shares our concerns about Chinese violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions aimed at sanctioning Iran, but would like to study the points made in reftel non-paper before making a commitment to press China on this subject, according to MOFA Second Middle East Division Principal Deputy Director Motosada Matano. Matano, who was accompanied by China and Mongolia Division Principal Deputy Director Yo Takaba and Iran Unit Chief Junichi Sumi, told political officers that Tokyo has already had discussions with several European countries about what they view as lax adherence by the Chinese to the Iran UNSCR sanctions. However, his remarks indicated Japan's concerns are more focused on the perception that the Chinese are filling any gaps in trade left by the withdrawal of countries, like Japan, that are enforcing the sanctions, rather than a concern that Chinese trade with Iran is helping to advance Tehran's nuclear and missile programs. ¶2. (S) Matano and Takaba were interested to learn of our evidence that Chinese components are finding their way into Iranian conventional weapons systems that are turning up in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as indications of a proliferation relationship. They said they would share our points with others in the ministry and get back to us later on how they plan to proceed. Both indicated, however, that they believe Japan will be able to raise these concerns with China at an appropriate time and level. ¶3. (S) Embassy will follow up to obtain a more definitive Japanese response to our request for engagement with China regarding proliferation concerns. SCHIEFFER