Cablegate: China's Response to Efforts to Halt Iranian Procurement in China

VZCZCXYZ0001
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHBJ #3039 2190901
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 060901Z AUG 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9017

S E C R E T BEIJING 003039

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR EAP, ISN

E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/06/2033
TAGS: PARM PREL PTER MNUC ECON KNNP IR CH
SUBJECT: CHINA’S RESPONSE TO EFFORTS TO HALT IRANIAN PROCUREMENT IN CHINA

REF: STATE 083144

Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.
4 (b) and (d).

1. (S) PolOff delivered reftel demarche and non-paper regarding prevention of Iranian procurement in China of specific controlled commodities needed to expand uranium enrichment activities to MFA Arms Control and Disarmament Department Nuclear Division Director Zhang Shen. PolOff stressed the proactive and multilateral nature of this effort, and noted ongoing U.S. domestic efforts to prevent Iranian procurement of sensitive items.

2. (S) Zhang praised past “fruitful cooperation” between the United States and China in nonproliferation efforts, and said China will continue to “implement strongly the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions” regarding Iran. Zhang cited past efforts to educate local governments and companies about restrictions on selling sensitive commodities to Iran, but admitted that “some companies are still not aware” of these restrictions.

3. (S) When asked about possible approaches by China to the specific Chines companies cited as potential sources for Iraian procurement of high-strength aluminum alloys, vacuum pumps and carbon fiber, Zhang said he will share the information provided with other relevant ministries in order to “seek assistance” in China’s “further efforts to enforce the relevant Security Council resolutions” and “educate” Chinese companies. PolOff encouraged Zhang to share any information obtained about Iranian procurement efforts in China with the United States, NSG partners and the IAEA. RANDT

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