Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09SUVA285
2009-07-07 04:57:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Suva
Cable title:
Chinese Ambassador Discusses Fiji and the Upcoming PIF
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UNCLAS SUVA 000285
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EAP FOR DAS NORRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV AMGT PINR FJ
SUBJECT: Chinese Ambassador Discusses Fiji and the Upcoming PIF
Meeting in Cairns
REF: SUVA 267
UNCLAS SUVA 000285
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EAP FOR DAS NORRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV AMGT PINR FJ
SUBJECT: Chinese Ambassador Discusses Fiji and the Upcoming PIF
Meeting in Cairns
REF: SUVA 267
1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in
Suva Han Zhiqiang and Ambassador McGann met on June 29 to compare
understandings regarding the August 4-7 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Leaders meeting in Cairns. Han, who wanted to meet prior to
departing Suva for Beijing, observed that Australian officials plan
to focus on regional economic development and explore how
international funding institutions such as the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund, linked to the G20 process, can assist
Pacific island countries. Han welcomed a discussion at Cairns
regarding issues related to development assistance, donor
coordination, and the regional impact of the international financial
crisis. He noted that Australia will release a major regional
economic policy paper on July 30, which might not allow time for
Beijing to react properly to any new proposals.
2. (SBU) Han noted that while neither the PIF Secretariat nor
Australia wants Fiji's political situation to dominate the
discussions, both recognize that the question of Fiji's role will
need to be taken into account at the meeting. He emphasized that
this would not legitimize Fiji's coup-derived government but
recognize its regional economic role. Han sees Fiji's economic
crisis as easing with recent increases in foreign reserves and
somewhat higher numbers of tourist arrivals but believes the economy
will continue its general downward spiral as exports fall and
unemployment rises. Added Han, this is why we encourage Australia
and New Zealand to keep open a proper channel of dialogue with
Fiji.
3. (SBU) Han said that China had not yet identified who would lead
its delegation to Cairns. He opined that Vice Minister of Foreign
Affairs He Yafei or Assistant MFA Liu Jieyi's yet-to-be named
successor are both possibilities. Han indicated that he would
attend as well. As part of ongoing cooperation regarding the
Pacific, Han suggested bilateral talks on the margins of the Forum.
Noting that his embassy in Canberra is handling the PRC delegation's
accreditation and logistics issues for Cairns, Han asked that the
U.S. side propose a possible time for the bilats through the PRC's
Washington embassy.
MCGANN
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
EAP FOR DAS NORRIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV AMGT PINR FJ
SUBJECT: Chinese Ambassador Discusses Fiji and the Upcoming PIF
Meeting in Cairns
REF: SUVA 267
1. (SBU) Summary: Ambassador of the Peoples Republic of China in
Suva Han Zhiqiang and Ambassador McGann met on June 29 to compare
understandings regarding the August 4-7 Pacific Islands Forum (PIF)
Leaders meeting in Cairns. Han, who wanted to meet prior to
departing Suva for Beijing, observed that Australian officials plan
to focus on regional economic development and explore how
international funding institutions such as the World Bank and
International Monetary Fund, linked to the G20 process, can assist
Pacific island countries. Han welcomed a discussion at Cairns
regarding issues related to development assistance, donor
coordination, and the regional impact of the international financial
crisis. He noted that Australia will release a major regional
economic policy paper on July 30, which might not allow time for
Beijing to react properly to any new proposals.
2. (SBU) Han noted that while neither the PIF Secretariat nor
Australia wants Fiji's political situation to dominate the
discussions, both recognize that the question of Fiji's role will
need to be taken into account at the meeting. He emphasized that
this would not legitimize Fiji's coup-derived government but
recognize its regional economic role. Han sees Fiji's economic
crisis as easing with recent increases in foreign reserves and
somewhat higher numbers of tourist arrivals but believes the economy
will continue its general downward spiral as exports fall and
unemployment rises. Added Han, this is why we encourage Australia
and New Zealand to keep open a proper channel of dialogue with
Fiji.
3. (SBU) Han said that China had not yet identified who would lead
its delegation to Cairns. He opined that Vice Minister of Foreign
Affairs He Yafei or Assistant MFA Liu Jieyi's yet-to-be named
successor are both possibilities. Han indicated that he would
attend as well. As part of ongoing cooperation regarding the
Pacific, Han suggested bilateral talks on the margins of the Forum.
Noting that his embassy in Canberra is handling the PRC delegation's
accreditation and logistics issues for Cairns, Han asked that the
U.S. side propose a possible time for the bilats through the PRC's
Washington embassy.
MCGANN