Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09KOLONIA39
2009-03-30 04:36:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Kolonia
Cable title:  

CHINESE AMBASSADOR CRITICAL OF FSM GOVERNMENT CAPACITY AND

Tags:  PGOV PREL EAID PINR FM CH 
pdf how-to read a cable
P R 300436Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY KOLONIA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2241
INFO AMEMBASSY MAJURO 
HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
AMEMBASSY BEIJING 
AIT TAIPEI 0020
AMCONSUL SHANGHAI 
COMNAVMARIANAS GU
AMEMBASSY KOLONIA
C O N F I D E N T I A L KOLONIA 000039 


E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/30/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID PINR FM CH
SUBJECT: CHINESE AMBASSADOR CRITICAL OF FSM GOVERNMENT CAPACITY AND
LACK OF PROGRESS, REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FOR VISA APPLICANTS IN SHANGHAI

REF: Kolonia 35

CLASSIFIED BY: DOUGLASSWD, CHARGE DE AFFAIRS, EMBASSY KOLONIA,
DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)



C O N F I D E N T I A L KOLONIA 000039


E.O. 12958: DECL: 3/30/2019
TAGS: PGOV PREL EAID PINR FM CH
SUBJECT: CHINESE AMBASSADOR CRITICAL OF FSM GOVERNMENT CAPACITY AND
LACK OF PROGRESS, REQUESTS ASSISTANCE FOR VISA APPLICANTS IN SHANGHAI

REF: Kolonia 35

CLASSIFIED BY: DOUGLASSWD, CHARGE DE AFFAIRS, EMBASSY KOLONIA,
DOS.
REASON: 1.4 (b),(d)




1. (C) In a wide ranging discussion with U.S. Embassy officers
on March 21, People's Republic of China Ambassador Liu Fei was
critical of the FSM's capacity at both the state and national
levels. She then complained about the lack of an industrious
attitude at the individual level. Although China remains fully
engaged in the FSM, this hard working Ambassador is clearly
exasperated with the state of the relationship. She expressed
appreciation for any anticipated help that the Embassy could
provide with Guam transit visas for Chinese workers. On a final
note, she conceded that working in the FSM was affecting her
staff's morale. END SUMMARY.

Capacity and Culture Limit Economic Development
-------------- --------------


2. (C) Liu hosted Ambassador Miriam Hughes, DCM William
Douglass, and Econ/Conoff Jason Wemhoener-Cuite at a dinner with
the staff of the Chinese Embassy on March 21. During a wide
ranging discussion, Liu often returned to her contention that
Micronesia lacked the capacity to manage many of the programs it
has and that even if the capacity were available, the
Micronesians as individuals are not motivated to work. Although
citing a range of examples, Liu and her staff used a Chinese
funded agricultural program as the primary example of the many
shortcomings they perceive with the Micronesian workforce and
government oversight.


3. (SBU) According to Liu, China funds a farming project in
Pohnpei geared towards improving farming efficiency and possibly
providing export opportunities. Based on the produce grown, the
project is a success. China, however, is disappointed in the
lack of cooperation by the host government and indifferent
engagement by local farmers. In addition to funding the
project, China provides seven technicians who work and act as
trainers on the farm. Liu contends that the Micronesians, as a
government or as individuals, are not working as partners should.


4. (SBU) Produce grown on the farm was intended for training

and sale by the Micronesians, but much is now given to the
nominal Micronesian workers. Liu commented that she did not
want to give the produce away, but prior to giving it away the
Micronesians working on the farm were just stealing whatever
they wanted and China had no control. Liu states that the FSM
government should have stepped in to prevent the thefts, but did
nothing.


5. (SBU) With the host government's assistance, China and the
FSM had identified farmers who would profit from agricultural
training. However, Liu complained that the farmers who do show
up are not studying the techniques taught or contributing to the
farm in any substantive manner. The farmers come in late, take
long lunches followed by a nap, and then go home early. They
may work for a couple of hours before taking produce.


6. (SBU) Third Secretary and Commercial Officer Qing Xu stated
that China had one success story from the farm project. A young
woman regularly came in and learned the techniques suitable on
the farm. She proved diligent and trustworthy as a student.
After completing the training, she moved to Guam. Qing opined
that the United States offered motivated Micronesians more
opportunities than what was available in the FSM. Liu added
that this seems to be the norm, i.e. those who could contribute
positively to society often decide to leave.

Visas for Chinese Workers
--------------


7. (SBU) Further highlighting the work ethic of Chinese
laborers vice their Micronesian counterparts, Liu commented that
Pohnpei government officials have commented positively on the
"small" Chinese laborers who are completing the new Pohnpei
State Government headquarters, which may be the largest building
in Pohnpei once completed. Liu added that China had to bring in
its own laborers because the local workforce was not reliable.
In this regard, she stated the workers needed transit visas to
go through Guam and hoped the U.S. Embassy could help. She also
insisted that she told the company in China only to choose the
best laborers to come to the FSM. (Note: On multiple previous
occasions the Chinese Embassy provided Post with details on
laborers from Zhejiang Province who were applying for transit
visas at the U.S. Consulate in Shanghai and asked Post to
confirm to Consulate Shanghai that they were legitimate
laborers. Post has consistently replied that Consulate Shanghai
must make visa determinations based on the individual applicants
and that we have no role in that process. End Note.)

Keeping up Morale is Difficult
--------------


8. (SBU) Ambassador Liu and her staff were also very candid
about morale issues they were facing. Of the seven Chinese
diplomats currently working at the Embassy, four live on the
compound in Palikir (two commercial officers live next to their
office in Kolonia and a junior officer also lives in Kolonia).
Palikir houses the capital offices, but it is distant from any
town. (Note: Econoff noticed only one vehicle parked on the
Chinese Compound, perhaps another indication of their isolation.
End Note.) Staff members commented that once the office closes
the only leisure activity they have is reading. The junior
officer, Attache Zheng Xu, has had other difficulties living in
Kolonia. Thieves stole one tire from his vehicle on two
separate occasions.


9. (C) Liu also commented that although she had completed more
than two years at post, sometimes "ambassadors were asked to
stay on" until their successor is ready. Her apparent
frustration, compared to the boredom by her staff, seemed based
on the relationship with the FSM and Pohnpei in particular.
When referring to Pohnpei Governor Ehsa's budding relationship
with Taiwan (reftel),she stated he lied to her. She believes
the government in general does not fulfill the obligations it
takes on. Whereas Liu's staff commented on the vibrancy,
cultural history, art and other aspects of Beijing, Shanghai and
numerous other locations in China and the lack of anything
comparable in the FSM, Liu's comments focused on the perceived
lack of capacity and industriousness of Micronesians.

Comment
--------------


10. (C) Although some of Liu's negativism may have reflected
her inability to stem an emerging relationship between Taiwan
and the Pohnpei state government, the overall tone of her
discussions was one of exasperation with the FSM. Theft from
the Chinese funded farm, stealing of a diplomat's car tires, the
Pohnpei Governor's supposed betrayal, and acknowledgment that
her tour of duty in the FSM should already be over all
highlighted the Ambassador's frustration. Liu remains focused
on her duties and she actively engages the FSM government at all
levels. However, FSM Foreign Affairs Secretary Lorin Robert
recently told her unequivocally that Pohnpei State was free to
engage with Taiwan on a commercial basis. In Post's opinion,
she is looking forward to leaving the FSM. End Comment.


HUGHES