Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING2080
2009-07-21 09:42:00
SECRET
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
CHINA INFORMED OF POSSIBLE WEAPONS-RELATED
how-toVZCZCXRO2245 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #2080 2020942 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 210942Z JUL 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5312 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
S E C R E T BEIJING 002080
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR ISN/CPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2034
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC CH IR KN
SUBJECT: CHINA INFORMED OF POSSIBLE WEAPONS-RELATED
TRANSFER FROM DPRK TO IRAN
REF: SECSTATE 74813
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL MINISTER COUNSELOR BEN MOELING.
REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D)
S E C R E T BEIJING 002080
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR ISN/CPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2034
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC CH IR KN
SUBJECT: CHINA INFORMED OF POSSIBLE WEAPONS-RELATED
TRANSFER FROM DPRK TO IRAN
REF: SECSTATE 74813
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL MINISTER COUNSELOR BEN MOELING.
REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D)
1. (S) On July 21, Poloff conveyed reftel points and
non-paper regarding the possible transfer through Beijing on
July 9 of torpedo batteries and technical personnel from
North Korea to Iran to MFA Arms Control and Disarmament
Department Chemical/Biological Weapons Division Deputy
Director Yang Yi. Yang first emphasized China's "strict,
accurate and responsible" implementation of UNSCR 1874.
While "unaware of this event," Yang promised to pass the
information to relevant authorities.
2. (S) Yang complained of a "lack of evidence" and "detail"
in the information provided in the nonpaper, and said that
before China could take action in future possible transfer
cases they would need "convincing and supporting evidence."
"Sensitive actions" such as cargo inspection should take into
consideration national laws and regulations as well as UNSCR
1874, she noted. In response to Yang's questioning whether
the items and actions mentioned would be prohibited under
UNSCR 1874, Poloff responded that there was "no question"
that the type of weapons transfer cited was in violation of
UNSCR 1874. Poloff reiterated the need for vigilance and
urged that China pay particular attention to any cargo and
persons originating travel in North Korea and then connecting
on flights to Iran from Beijing.
GOLDBERG
SIPDIS
DEPT FOR ISN/CPI
E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/21/2034
TAGS: PARM PREL MNUC CH IR KN
SUBJECT: CHINA INFORMED OF POSSIBLE WEAPONS-RELATED
TRANSFER FROM DPRK TO IRAN
REF: SECSTATE 74813
Classified By: ACTING POLITICAL MINISTER COUNSELOR BEN MOELING.
REASONS 1.4 (B),(C) AND (D)
1. (S) On July 21, Poloff conveyed reftel points and
non-paper regarding the possible transfer through Beijing on
July 9 of torpedo batteries and technical personnel from
North Korea to Iran to MFA Arms Control and Disarmament
Department Chemical/Biological Weapons Division Deputy
Director Yang Yi. Yang first emphasized China's "strict,
accurate and responsible" implementation of UNSCR 1874.
While "unaware of this event," Yang promised to pass the
information to relevant authorities.
2. (S) Yang complained of a "lack of evidence" and "detail"
in the information provided in the nonpaper, and said that
before China could take action in future possible transfer
cases they would need "convincing and supporting evidence."
"Sensitive actions" such as cargo inspection should take into
consideration national laws and regulations as well as UNSCR
1874, she noted. In response to Yang's questioning whether
the items and actions mentioned would be prohibited under
UNSCR 1874, Poloff responded that there was "no question"
that the type of weapons transfer cited was in violation of
UNSCR 1874. Poloff reiterated the need for vigilance and
urged that China pay particular attention to any cargo and
persons originating travel in North Korea and then connecting
on flights to Iran from Beijing.
GOLDBERG