MONGOLIA ON TIBET AND TAIWAN: WE SUPPORT THE ONE-CHINA

UNCLAS ULAANBAATAR 000125 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS STATE FOR EAP/CM, DRL/IRF AND INR/EAP E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM KDEM KOLY MG SUBJECT: MONGOLIA ON TIBET AND TAIWAN: WE SUPPORT THE ONE-CHINA POLICY SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED - NOT FOR INTERNET DISTRIBUTION. ¶1. (SBU) SUMMARY: The Mongolian Government on March 20 issued a statement reiterating its adherence to the "one China" policy and expressed regret over the "chaotic situation" in Tibet. In recent days, some Mongolians have expressed solidarity with the people of Tibet, but no formal gatherings for this purpose have been reported. Mongolia's Foreign Ministry made the statement in advance of visits to China by Mongolia's President, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. In related news, on March 10, Foreign Minister S. Oyun addressed a planned referendum in Taiwan on UN membership, saying Mongolia opposes the referendum because it could "negatively affect regional peace and stability." END SUMMARY. ¶2. (U) MFA on March 20 issued the following statement: "Mongolia steadily adheres to a "One China" policy and considers Tibet to be an integral part of the territory of the People's Republic of China. Mongolia regrets that a chaotic situation evolved in Tibet, and that it has resulted in human losses and material damages. Mongolia hopes that this situation will be solved in a peaceful manner." ¶3. (SBU) President Enkhbayar, Prime Minister Bayar and Foreign Minister Oyun all have official visits planned to China in April and/or May (septel). ¶4. (SBU) The Dalai Lama enjoys enormous respect among Mongolians, including and especially with President Enkhbayar and has visited Mongolia several times at the invitation of Mongolian Buddhist leaders and temples. In recent days, some Mongolians have expressed solidarity with the people of Tibet in missives to newspapers. However, no formal or organized gatherings for this purpose have been reported. ¶5. (U) The statement on Tibet followed a March 10 statement by Mongolian Foreign Minister S. Oyun regarding a possible Taiwan Referendum on UN membership. That statement said: "Mongolia pursues a policy of promoting a mutually confident and beneficial long-term partnership with China, and adheres to ensuring peace and security in Northeast Asia. Mongolia steadily respects a "One China" policy and considers the Government of the People's Republic of China as the only government representing China and Taiwan as an integral part of the People's Republic of China. Mongolia's position ... is reflected and stipulated in related political treaties and acts established between Mongolia and the People's Republic of China. Mongolia expresses its position as opposing the Taiwan Referendum for a UN bid, as this attempt will lead to consequences that may negatively affect regional peace and stability." MINTON