PRC SUPPORTIVE BUT VAGUE ON ADDITIONAL

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 002110 SIPDIS DEPT FOR S/SRAP - KAREN HANRAHAN, SCA/A - ARIELLA VIEHE, AND EUR/RPM - AARON COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/23/2029 TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON EAID PTER CH AF SUBJECT: PRC SUPPORTIVE BUT VAGUE ON ADDITIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHANISTAN REF: SECSTATE 74362 Classified By: Deputy Political Section Chief Ben Moeling. Reason 1.4 (c). ¶1. (C) On July 21, Poloff conveyed to MFA Asian Affairs Department, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh Division Desk Officer Hou Yanqi reftel points on enhanced civilian and military contributions to Afghanistan following the August 20 presidential election. Econoff also delivered reftel points to Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Department of Aid to Foreign Countries official Wang Li July 23. ¶2. (C) Hou said that peace and stability in Afghanistan were crucial for peace in the region. She stressed the importance for China of maintaining "neighborly" relationship with Afghanistan, adding that China appreciates U.S. efforts to improve the situation in Afghanistan. China has paid close attention to the election in Afghanistan and has attended all international meetings related to Afghanistan, she said. Hou stated that China had provided civilian support and funding to Afghanistan through bilateral channels, and will continue to contribute. According to Hou, since 2002 China had provided $180 million to Afghanistan for projects related to education, hospitals, road and infrastructure, land mine clearance, and agriculture. Hou said China will continue to monitor the situation in Afghanistan and contribute where possible. ¶3. (C) Hou said that China hoped the upcoming presidential election would be secure and trouble-free. Regardless of the election result, China would seek engagement with the new government to maintain positive influence with Afghanistan. Also, given the multi-ethnic nature Afghanistan's society, the new government would face the challenge of unifying these groups in order to fully represent the country, Hou said. GOLDBERG