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

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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