CHINESE STILL SMOLDERING OVER FREIGHTER SINKING IN RUSSIAN

UNCLAS VLADIVOSTOK 000038 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ECON SENV RS SUBJECT: CHINESE STILL SMOLDERING OVER FREIGHTER SINKING IN RUSSIAN FAR EAST ¶1. (SBU) In an introductory meeting with the new Chinese representative to Vladivostok, Lu Jingo told CG that the sinking of a freighter with Chinese crew by Russian Border Guards that resulted in the deaths of eight Chinese merchant sailors was an excessive use of Russian force. Jingo would not comment on whether the incident has had an impact on overall Chinese-Russian relations, but he made it clear that he does not hold the Russian Border Guards in very high regard. Jingo's most stinging comment came when the CG complimented Jingo on his assignment to Vladivostok. The Chinese official said that he really did not want to be posted here, because he considers the Far East to be "dangerous" for Chinese people, even diplomats. SINKING OF THE NEW STAR -------------- ¶2. (SBU) Jingo spent several days in Nakhodka following the February 15 sinking of the vessel "New Star." He admitted that the New Star Captain was guilty of leaving port without all of the proper documents, but Russian Border Guards acted inappropriately in opening fire and sinking the ship. The "New Star" was carrying a cargo of rice, which apparently was initially not being accepted by Russian importers due to "quality concerns." The rice was eventually unloaded. Russian Border Guards now claim the "New Star" was also involved in smuggling. There are rumors that the Russian importers were intially refusing to accept the rice, although it was of acceptable quality, to collect insurance. Whatever the details, the incident has cooled relations considerably. Jingo dismissed the idea that Russia might compensate the families of the eight sailors who died in the waters off of Nakhodka when their life raft flipped and they died of exposure in the February ocean waters. POACHING "GOOD BUSINESS" -------------- ¶3. (SBU) Jingo did not comment when asked about the overall level of criminalization in the Far East and he seemed to view poaching as "good business," rather than an opportunity for cross border cooperation. Jingo blamed Russians for the poaching of tigers and other endasngered animals in Russia for sale in China. Regarding the March 6 murder of a Chinese entrepreneur in Vladivostok, Jingo said that incident was "a random crime." He did say that he personally did not feel safe in Vladivostok due in part to the "racism" of Russians. CONSULATES GENERAL FOR VLADIVOSTOK AND HARBIN? -------------- - ¶4. (SBU) Jingo said that Vladivostok remains attractive for Chinese businessmen with one Chinese business delegation a month coming to talk with Russian counterparts. He added that 70 to 80 percent of all tourists in Vladivostok are Chinese. For his part, the consular section in Vladivostok issues about 200 Chinese visas a day to Russian citizens. ¶5. (SBU) Due to the increased business, the Chinese have offered to upgrade the consular section in Vladivostok, which reports to the Consulate General in Khabarovsk, to a proper Consulate General, with the Russians opening a CG in Harbin in Northern China. The Chinese are waiting for Russia's answer on their diplomatic note. ARMBRUSTER