Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
10CANBERRA25
2010-01-11 06:33:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Canberra
Cable title:
AUSTRALIA WATCHING CHINA'S IMPENDING INTERCEPT
how-toVZCZCXRO4449 OO RUEHSL DE RUEHBY #0025 0110633 ZNY SSSSS ZZH O 110633Z JAN 10 FM AMEMBASSY CANBERRA TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2504 INFO RUCNDSC/DISARMAMENT CONFERENCE COLLECTIVE RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 9701 RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 2164 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 1589 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 0025 RUEHWL/AMEMBASSY WELLINGTON 0207 RUEHBN/AMCONSUL MELBOURNE 6894 RUEHPT/AMCONSUL PERTH 5158 RUEHDN/AMCONSUL SYDNEY 5165 RUEKDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHINGTON DC RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHINGTON DC RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHINGTON DC RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 2042 RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA 0409 RHMFISS/USSTRATCOM OFFUTT AFB NE
S E C R E T CANBERRA 000025
SIPDIS
NOFORN
STATE FOR ISN MDSP HOPPLER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2035
TAGS: MCAP PARM PREL TSPA AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA WATCHING CHINA'S IMPENDING INTERCEPT
FLIGHT TEST
REF: SECSTATE 2126
Classified By: Political-Economic Advisor Edgard Kagan, Reasons 1.4(B)(
D).
S E C R E T CANBERRA 000025
SIPDIS
NOFORN
STATE FOR ISN MDSP HOPPLER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2035
TAGS: MCAP PARM PREL TSPA AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA WATCHING CHINA'S IMPENDING INTERCEPT
FLIGHT TEST
REF: SECSTATE 2126
Classified By: Political-Economic Advisor Edgard Kagan, Reasons 1.4(B)(
D).
1. (S/NF) Summary: Australia is watching developments around
China's pending intercept test closely and appreciates reftel
message as part of the very close coordination with the
United States. Deputy National Security Advisor Angus
Campbell told us PM Kevin Rudd is concerned and following the
issue closely. The GOA's diplomatic response will be
carefully calibrated around the actual events of the test.
End Summary
2. (S/NF) Polmil and econoffs passed points in reftel to
Cameron Archer, Director of the Defence and Strategic Policy
section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on
January 11. U.S. Defense Attache Col. Britschgi and Office
and Regional Affairs also passed them to Defence Signals
Directorate Director Ian McKenzie, who is acting in Deputy
Secretary of Defence for Intelligence and Security Steve
Merchant's place this week while Merchant is on leave.
According to Archer, DFAT and the Australian intelligence
community have been closely monitoring the developments at
Chinese flight centers. Archer said that the GOA's
diplomatic response to a flight test would depend on the
actual events - a direct ascent anti-satellite test would be
of extreme concern, but an Anti-Ballistic Missile test
conducted within Chinese airspace would mean that Australia's
approach to China would likely focus more on transparency and
advance notice for ABM tests.
3. (S/NF) Separately, the Pol/Econ Counselor briefed Acting
National Security Advisor Angus Campbell on U.S. views
regarding the impending launch and subsequent diplomatic
strategy. Campbell thanked us for the information and said
that the Prime Minister was watching the situation closely.
Like the U.S., Campbell said, Australia would need to base
its response on the nature of the actual event. Campbell
said National Security Advisor Duncan Lewis was back from
holiday leave and would be available for any additional
coordination at any time.
4. (S/NF) McKenzie echoed to DAO Australia's concern over
keeping a close eye on developments, and agreed to pass the
information in reftel to colleagues in the intelligence
community.
5. (U) Post will follow-up with appropriate officials in the
Australian foreign affairs and defense communities as
appropriate.
CLUNE
SIPDIS
NOFORN
STATE FOR ISN MDSP HOPPLER
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/12/2035
TAGS: MCAP PARM PREL TSPA AS
SUBJECT: AUSTRALIA WATCHING CHINA'S IMPENDING INTERCEPT
FLIGHT TEST
REF: SECSTATE 2126
Classified By: Political-Economic Advisor Edgard Kagan, Reasons 1.4(B)(
D).
1. (S/NF) Summary: Australia is watching developments around
China's pending intercept test closely and appreciates reftel
message as part of the very close coordination with the
United States. Deputy National Security Advisor Angus
Campbell told us PM Kevin Rudd is concerned and following the
issue closely. The GOA's diplomatic response will be
carefully calibrated around the actual events of the test.
End Summary
2. (S/NF) Polmil and econoffs passed points in reftel to
Cameron Archer, Director of the Defence and Strategic Policy
section at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on
January 11. U.S. Defense Attache Col. Britschgi and Office
and Regional Affairs also passed them to Defence Signals
Directorate Director Ian McKenzie, who is acting in Deputy
Secretary of Defence for Intelligence and Security Steve
Merchant's place this week while Merchant is on leave.
According to Archer, DFAT and the Australian intelligence
community have been closely monitoring the developments at
Chinese flight centers. Archer said that the GOA's
diplomatic response to a flight test would depend on the
actual events - a direct ascent anti-satellite test would be
of extreme concern, but an Anti-Ballistic Missile test
conducted within Chinese airspace would mean that Australia's
approach to China would likely focus more on transparency and
advance notice for ABM tests.
3. (S/NF) Separately, the Pol/Econ Counselor briefed Acting
National Security Advisor Angus Campbell on U.S. views
regarding the impending launch and subsequent diplomatic
strategy. Campbell thanked us for the information and said
that the Prime Minister was watching the situation closely.
Like the U.S., Campbell said, Australia would need to base
its response on the nature of the actual event. Campbell
said National Security Advisor Duncan Lewis was back from
holiday leave and would be available for any additional
coordination at any time.
4. (S/NF) McKenzie echoed to DAO Australia's concern over
keeping a close eye on developments, and agreed to pass the
information in reftel to colleagues in the intelligence
community.
5. (U) Post will follow-up with appropriate officials in the
Australian foreign affairs and defense communities as
appropriate.
CLUNE