CHINA - SHIP RECYCLING DEMARCHE DELIVERED

UNCLAS BEIJING 001246 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: ECON EIND ETRD EWWT IMO KTIA PREL SENV CH SUBJECT: CHINA - SHIP RECYCLING DEMARCHE DELIVERED REF: STATE 41904 ¶1. (SBU) Econoff coordinated with the Australian Embassy to deliver the demarche on the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) Ship Recycling Convention to the Chinese Ministry of Transport (MOT) and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on May 4. Chinese Government representatives stated they would consider the joint U.S.-Australian position paper, but had no formal response. A contact at the Trade in Goods Division of MOFCOM's WTO Affairs Department told the Australian Embassy that their preliminary review revealed concerns with World Trade Organization (WTO) compliance. They intended to provide input to MOT members attending the Convention. ¶2. (SBU) A representative from MOT's Multi-lateral Affairs Division of the International Cooperation Department confirmed MOT would represent China at the Convention in Hong Kong. However, the delegation members had been abroad, and would not gather to meet before the conference until late on May 8, when they would review the U.S. demarche. Econoff encouraged the Chinese to share their final views with the U.S delegation at the Convention. PICCUTA