Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING698
2009-03-18 08:16:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
CHINA MAINTAINS "CONSISTENT POSITION"; WILL NOT
how-toVZCZCXRO2425 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHTRO RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0698 0770816 ZNY CCCCC ZZH O 180816Z MAR 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2937 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHSI/AMEMBASSY TBILISI IMMEDIATE 0139 RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC IMMEDIATE RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC IMMEDIATE RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 2113
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000698
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/18/2029
TAGS: PREL MOPS PBTS UNGA CH GG RS
SUBJECT: CHINA MAINTAINS "CONSISTENT POSITION"; WILL NOT
RECOGNIZE SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA, SAYS MFA
REF: STATE 24186
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000698
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/18/2029
TAGS: PREL MOPS PBTS UNGA CH GG RS
SUBJECT: CHINA MAINTAINS "CONSISTENT POSITION"; WILL NOT
RECOGNIZE SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA, SAYS MFA
REF: STATE 24186
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.
4 (b/d).
1. (C) China maintains its "consistent position" of not
recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,
MFA European and Central Asian Affairs Department Caucasus
Division Deputy Director Zhang Hongjian told PolOff March 18
in response to reftel points urging China to reject and
condemn Russia's decision to recognize the separatist regions
as independent states. When PolOff noted that support for
Georgia's territorial integrity and national sovereignty was
consistent with China's oft-stated foreign policy principles
on such matters, Zhang retreated to standard MFA talking
points, noting the "complicated history and realities of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia" and encouraging "both sides to
resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation."
China enjoyed friendly relations with Georgia and hoped to
maintain the "smooth development" of bilateral relations.
Zhang added that China had provided "normal
government-to-government assistance" to Georgia but declined
to specify the type or amount of assistance.
2. (C) Regarding Russian plans to establish military bases in
the separatist regions of Georgia, Zhang said that China had
only learned about Russian plans from media reports and that
China had not discussed the issue with Russia. She expressed
hope that both sides would "carefully consider" any plans
that could further destabilize the region, adding that as a
"great power," China had made efforts to promote stability in
the region.
PICCUTA
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/18/2029
TAGS: PREL MOPS PBTS UNGA CH GG RS
SUBJECT: CHINA MAINTAINS "CONSISTENT POSITION"; WILL NOT
RECOGNIZE SOUTH OSSETIA AND ABKHAZIA, SAYS MFA
REF: STATE 24186
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.
4 (b/d).
1. (C) China maintains its "consistent position" of not
recognizing the independence of South Ossetia and Abkhazia,
MFA European and Central Asian Affairs Department Caucasus
Division Deputy Director Zhang Hongjian told PolOff March 18
in response to reftel points urging China to reject and
condemn Russia's decision to recognize the separatist regions
as independent states. When PolOff noted that support for
Georgia's territorial integrity and national sovereignty was
consistent with China's oft-stated foreign policy principles
on such matters, Zhang retreated to standard MFA talking
points, noting the "complicated history and realities of
South Ossetia and Abkhazia" and encouraging "both sides to
resolve their differences through dialogue and consultation."
China enjoyed friendly relations with Georgia and hoped to
maintain the "smooth development" of bilateral relations.
Zhang added that China had provided "normal
government-to-government assistance" to Georgia but declined
to specify the type or amount of assistance.
2. (C) Regarding Russian plans to establish military bases in
the separatist regions of Georgia, Zhang said that China had
only learned about Russian plans from media reports and that
China had not discussed the issue with Russia. She expressed
hope that both sides would "carefully consider" any plans
that could further destabilize the region, adding that as a
"great power," China had made efforts to promote stability in
the region.
PICCUTA