MFA WILL STUDY CHINA TRANSIT PROPOSAL FOR

S E C R E T BEIJING 000384 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/13/2019 TAGS: PREL MARR PGOV CH AF SUBJECT: MFA WILL STUDY CHINA TRANSIT PROPOSAL FOR SUPPLYING U.S. AND COALITION QES IN AFGHANISTAN REF: STATE 13026 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey CarlQ Reasons 1Q (b/d). ¶1. (U) This is an action request. Please see para 4. ¶2. (S) PolMinCouns on February 13 conveyed to MFA North American and Oceanian Affairs Department Deputy Director General Deng Hongbo reftel talking points laying out a U.S. proposal for a transportation route through the PRC in support of the Northern Distribution Network (NDN) that transports supplies to U.S. and Coalition forces in Afghanistan. PolMinCouns portrayed this proposal as an opportunity to develop normal, friendly cooperation between the United States and China on an issue of common concern and high USG priority. ¶3. (S) DDG Deng welcomed the proposal and promised the Chinese side would study the idea and respond as soon as possible. He noted that the security situation in Afghanistan was not stable and that incidents of terrorism were increasing. Both the United States and China, as well as other members of the international community, had interests at stake in Afghanistan. China maintained a positive attitude toward cooperation and coordination with the United States in the region. Still, the proposal would require study, Deng said. ¶4. (S) PolMinCouns reiterated that the proposed transit route would involve non-lethal and non-sensitive goods, commercial carriers and existing transportation networks, all in accordance with PRC laws. Asked if other countries had given approval for similar transit arrangements, PolMinCouns noted (per reftel) that Kazakhstan had given its approval and the United States would ship supplies through Russia using a NATO transit agreement. Asked if the United States could provide a draft agreement or exchange of diplomatic notes to consider, PolMinCouns answered in the affirmative. Action request: Please provide a draft agreement/exchange of diplomatic notes for PRC consideration. PICCUTA