AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS WITH CHINESE FM YANG

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 USUN NEW YORK 000620 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/24/2019 TAGS: PHUM PREL UNSC IZ KN SU SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR RICE MEETS WITH CHINESE FM YANG Classified By: Ambassador Rice for Reasons 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary. During a June 24 meeting with Ambassador Rice, Yang commented on the excellent U.S.-China working relationship including at the UN and praised the smooth transition of the Obama administration. Yang agreed on the need to build positive, cooperative, comprehensive relations for the 21st century and commented that multilateral cooperation in that context is key. On North Korea, Yang "did not see the need" for any ships traveling in the North coastal seas between China and North Korea where "proliferation is not possible." He affirmed that China would carry out its responsibilities with regard to inspection of ships suspected of carrying prohibited cargo under resolution 1874. Regarding Sudan, Yang affirmed the dual track strategy and said the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) must be implemented. Rice added that the government as well as the rebels must exercise restraint in order to lay the foundation for a cessation of hostilities and dialogue. Yang noted that while there is no consensus on Security Council reform, a resolution in the General Assembly at this stage should be avoided. He encouraged the United States to take a "prudent and proactive approach" on Iran. End Summary. DPRK ¶2. (C) Yang said that China is doing its best to implement resolution 1874 on the DPRK. He mentioned his recent call with Secretary Clinton and reiterated China's concern about the ship reportedly headed to Burma. He added that the U.S. should continue to make its concerns known to the Burmese. However, with respect to reports of the U.S. tracking the DPRK vessel, Yang noted the sensitivity of any action in the North coastal seas between North Korea and China and said that China "does not feel the need for any ships to go into that area." Rice assured Yang that the U.S. is aware of China's concerns about confrontation on the high seas. She noted that the U.S. has been scrupulous to avoid the edge of China's exclusive economic zones (EEZ). Rice also pressed for Chinese support for a "transparency" regime regarding DPRK vessels and its immediate assistance to underscore to the Burmese the importance of abiding by international obligations as set out in UNSCR 1874. Yang said that if there is good reason for inspection, China will carry out its responsibilities under the resolution. SUDAN ¶3. (C) Yang said that the U.S. and Chinese envoys to Sudan should work together, commenting that the dual-track strategy of pushing both the political process and humanitarian issues will work. On the North/South issue, Yang said turmoil is in nobody's interest and the CPA is important and should be implemented. Yang also suggested that we must "heed the view of the AU." He added that if the AU could be persuaded, they could exert influence over the current situation. Rice agreed, but added that the government -- not just the rebels -- must also be constrained. Both sides need limitations to protect civilians and lay the foundation for a productive dialogue. She said the U.S. wants to create space for more constructive negotiations and will look to the Security Council to synchronize UNAMID and MINURCAT and create incentives and pressure in that regard. Yang noted that China set up a Consulate General in Juba with an "able Africa hand" and has already hosted leaders from the South. SECURITY COUNCIL REFORM ¶4. (C) Rice provided an overview of the U.S. stance on Council reform, noting that until the Africans change their strategy, "we're stuck." Yang wondered whether the AU Summit in Libya would break the stalemate. He said that without consensus the discussion on reform should continue and efforts to reach decisions in the UNGA piecemeal should be avoided. Yang added that he hoped the President of the General Assembly and other member states were thinking along the same lines. USUN PolCouns added that some states will be expecting an outcome as the third round of negotiations in the informal plenary conclude and we should monitor carefully the situation. Yang suggested that the U.S. and China should re-engage on the topic after the AU summit. IRAN ¶5. (C) Rice said that the U.S. was concerned about the USUN NEW Y 00000620 002 OF 002 violence in Iran and worked to strike the right balance between non-interference in domestic affairs and respect for the people's will. She asked that China convey to Iran that the U.S. is open to direct engagement with the regime at the appropriate time, adding that this is a limited window of opportunity. She said that the recent situation with the DPRK underscored U.S. determination to avoid a similar situation with Iran. Rice said that Iran can choose a path away from isolation. Yang confessed that he was not an Iran expert, but opined that regardless of Iran's rhetoric, they must be impressed "deep down" with President Obama's willingness to open his hand if they were willing to unclench their fist. Yang said that China urged Iran more than once to be forthcoming with the U.S. "in many areas." He said China also pressed the leaders to "take a serious look" at the EU3 3 proposal. Yang encouraged the U.S. to take a "prudent and proactive" approach. Yang noted that China also hoped the country would remain stable and respect the rights of its people. RICE