Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING203
2009-01-22 12:23:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
TIBETAN "SERF EMANCIPATION DAY" DEMARCHE DELIVERED
how-toVZCZCXRO2440 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0203 0221223 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 221223Z JAN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1988 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI PRIORITY 4716 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000203
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, G, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KIRF CH
SUBJECT: TIBETAN "SERF EMANCIPATION DAY" DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 5542
Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Ben Moeling.
Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000203
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, G, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KIRF CH
SUBJECT: TIBETAN "SERF EMANCIPATION DAY" DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 5542
Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Ben Moeling.
Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
1. (C) The Charge delivered reftel points to MFA North
American and Oceanian Affairs Department Director General
Zheng Zeguang on January 22. The "Serf Emancipation Day"
holiday, the Charge stressed, would not serve to improve the
situation in Tibet and instead would only exacerbate tensions.
2. (C) Zheng responded that "one cannot deny" that "before
liberation" Tibet had serfs and that these serfs were
emancipated. Members of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
legislature, as the representatives of the people of Tibet,
have the "full right" to create such a holiday. China, Zheng
continued, appreciates the USG's recognition that Tibet is a
part of China. The United States should not allow
Tibet-related issues to interfere in U.S.-China relations.
China is "following closely" the reactions of the Dalai Lama
and his followers "to various issues." China will continue
to engage with the Dalai Lama "to discuss his future" and to
discuss the possibility of a future visit by his
representatives. Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama and his
followers must "show sincerity." "Violence and splittist
activity will only expose the true nature of the Dalai Lama
and his followers."
3. (C) The Charge pushed back, noting that the Dalai Lama has
"ruled out" the use of violence. China, the Charge
emphasized, should engage in substantive dialogue with the
Dalai Lama to achieve real stability. Taking actions such as
declaring a "Serf Emancipation Day" holiday will reduce
stability, inflame the situation in Tibetan areas of China
and could damage the PRC's international image and reputation.
PICCUTA
SIPDIS
DEPARTMENT FOR EAP, G, DRL, AND DRL/IRF
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/22/2019
TAGS: PHUM PGOV KIRF CH
SUBJECT: TIBETAN "SERF EMANCIPATION DAY" DEMARCHE DELIVERED
REF: STATE 5542
Classified By: Acting Political Minister Counselor Ben Moeling.
Reasons 1.4 (B/D).
1. (C) The Charge delivered reftel points to MFA North
American and Oceanian Affairs Department Director General
Zheng Zeguang on January 22. The "Serf Emancipation Day"
holiday, the Charge stressed, would not serve to improve the
situation in Tibet and instead would only exacerbate tensions.
2. (C) Zheng responded that "one cannot deny" that "before
liberation" Tibet had serfs and that these serfs were
emancipated. Members of the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR)
legislature, as the representatives of the people of Tibet,
have the "full right" to create such a holiday. China, Zheng
continued, appreciates the USG's recognition that Tibet is a
part of China. The United States should not allow
Tibet-related issues to interfere in U.S.-China relations.
China is "following closely" the reactions of the Dalai Lama
and his followers "to various issues." China will continue
to engage with the Dalai Lama "to discuss his future" and to
discuss the possibility of a future visit by his
representatives. Nevertheless, the Dalai Lama and his
followers must "show sincerity." "Violence and splittist
activity will only expose the true nature of the Dalai Lama
and his followers."
3. (C) The Charge pushed back, noting that the Dalai Lama has
"ruled out" the use of violence. China, the Charge
emphasized, should engage in substantive dialogue with the
Dalai Lama to achieve real stability. Taking actions such as
declaring a "Serf Emancipation Day" holiday will reduce
stability, inflame the situation in Tibetan areas of China
and could damage the PRC's international image and reputation.
PICCUTA