RESPONSE ON U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CANDIDACY

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000884 SIPDIS DEPT FOR EAP/CM, IO/RHS, DRL/MLGA E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/02/2019 TAGS: PREL PHUM UNHRC UN CH SUBJECT: RESPONSE ON U.S. HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL CANDIDACY REF: STATE 31175 Classified By: Political Minister-Couselor Aubrey Carlson, reasons 1.4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) China welcomed U.S. willingness to seek a seat on the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC),MFA International Organizations and Conferences Department Human Rights Division Deputy Director Yao Shaojun told PolOff April 2 in response to reftel points on the U.S. decision to seek election to the Council. Yao stated China's position that all member states should "work together to promote human rights through dialogue and cooperation." Asked whether China would support the U.S. candidacy in May HRC election, Yao recalled the P5 "gentlemen's agreement" under which P5 members support each other's candidacies and noted that both countries were now seeking seats on the HRC (in China's case, re-election). Yao added that election to the Council was principally decided by regional groups. Yao said China would study the U.S. request and provide a formal response at a later date. PICCUTA