CHINA ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHANISTAN

S E C R E T BEIJING 000940 SIPDIS STATE FOR SCA/A TOM REOTT AND EUR/PRM AARON COPE E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/08/2029 TAGS: PREL AF NATO PK MARR MOPS CH SUBJECT: CHINA ON CONTRIBUTIONS TO AFGHANISTAN REF: STATE 31102 Classified By: Classified by Acting Minister-Counselor for Political Affairs Ben Moeling. Reasons 1.4 B and D. ¶1. (S) SUMMARY: A Chinese MFA official said China is "still considering" the U.S. request for nonlethal supply transit through China to Afghanistan and recognizes the importance of counter-narcotics efforts in Afghanistan. The Chinese have reviewed and are discussing the U.S. Pakistan/Afghanistan strategy but are not ready to respond. They take note of the U.S. recommendations for priority areas for international assistance in Afghanistan. The Chinese are aware of Ambassador Holbrooke's upcoming trip to Beijing. They "took note of" the Embassy's suggestion that the Chinese provide a substantive response to our request when their leaders meet with Ambassador Holbrooke April 15, but did not commit. End Summary. ¶2. (S) Acting PolMinCouns met MFA Asian Affairs Department DDG Sun Weidong April 8 to deliver reftel demarche requesting specific PRC assistance in Afghanistan. A/PolMinCouns noted the importance to the United States of diversifying its supply routes into Afghanistan, especially considering the announced increase in U.S. civilian and military personnel contributions to the Afghanistan effort. He encouraged China to accelerate its decision on providing political approval, or if needed, a commercial transit agreement, for USG cargo shipments of nonlethal equipment through China to Afghanistan. Ideally, Chinese approval would come during or before Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke's upcoming visit to Beijing. Sun was aware of the outstanding U.S. request, and said "the decision is still under consideration." When asked if there were further details that would help the Chinese government reach a decision, Sun said "we must continue to consider it and will contact you if we have additional questions." He would not commit to being able to provide an answer before April 15. ¶3. (S) A/PolMinCouns pressed Sun on increasing Chinese contributions to Afghanistan's infrastructure, to which Sun responded that Chinese companies are already investing in Afghanistan and expect to continue to do so. Asked about counter-narcotics cooperation, Sun noted that this issue had come up at the Moscow meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. China recognized the importance of counter-narcotics efforts, but could offer no specific commitment on Chinese cooperation. ¶4. (S) Sun underscored China's commitment to stability and security in Afghanistan, citing PRC participation at recent Afghanistan-related conferences, including the SCO conference in Moscow and the international conference in The Hague. DDG Sun added that China would provide 75 million USD in assistance to Afghanistan over the next five years. Sun stated that China welcomes cooperation from the international community on national reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan and stressed that the UN should take a leading role. He also emphasized the PRC's policy of non-interference in internal affairs and support of Afghanistan's sovereignty. WEINSTEIN