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TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0375
INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004893 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/15/2016 
TAGS: PREL PARM KNNP IR EU AORC CH
SUBJECT: PRC/IRAN: CHINA OFFERS COMPROMISE SOLUTIONS TO P5 
DISAGREEMENTS ON A UNSC PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT 
 
Classified By: Deputy Political Chief Robert Griffiths. Reasons 1.4 (b/ 
d). 
 
 ¶1. (C) Summary: The PRC is prepared to adopt what it 
believes are compromise solutions to the current P5 
disagreements over the text of a UNSC Presidential Statement 
(PRST), according to MFA International Organization 
Department Division Director Yang Tao.  Noting Ambassador 
Wang Guangya,s discussions in New York, Yang said China 
supports setting a timeframe of 30 days for Iran's 
compliance, incorporating specific details from the February 
4 IAEA Board of Governors resolution into the PRST and 
reporting Iran's reply or review of Iran's compliance to the 
IAEA first.  The PRC and the United States are in agreement 
that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear weapons and 
that the UNSC should send Iran a strong signal. However, 
Beijing remains skeptical of what should come after a PRST. 
The MFA seeks clarification of the U.S. position on a joint 
PRST discussion in New York, saying that Beijing is willing 
to have a P5 plus 1 discussion between the Political 
Directors but opposes including the Permreps in such a 
discussion.  Iranian presidential envoy Larijani is visiting 
Beijing to discuss the nuclear issue and bilateral relations. 
 End Summary. 
 
PRST Solutions 
-------------- 
 
¶2. (C) The PRC has three solutions to the current P5 
disagreements over the text of a UNSC Presidential Statement 
(PRST), according to MFA International Organization 
Department Division Director Yang Tao.  In a March 15 
meeting, Yang told poloffs that a report on Iran's compliance 
within 14 days of the PRST would not give Iran enough time to 
take corrective actions.  At the same time, Beijing agrees 
that a timeframe is necessary to demonstrate to Iran UNSC 
resolve.  Yang argues that a 30-day period between the PRST 
and an IAEA report on Iran's compliance will still allow for 
a diplomatic solution to the current standoff.  Yang also 
stated that Beijing supports references to the February 4 BOG 
resolution in the PRST.  The February 4 resolution set clear 
requirements for Iran and Tehran needs to respond to them. 
The PRC argues that UNSC involvement in the Iran dispute 
should underpin and bolster the international stature of the 
IAEA and the NPT, therefore the PRST should specifically 
support the IAEA BOG recommendations on Iran.  Along the same 
line, Yang said any report on Iran's nuclear program should 
be made first to the IAEA in order to maintain the authority 
of the IAEA and NPT on nuclear issues.  At a minimum, such a 
report should be presented simultaneously to the IAEA and the 
UNSC. 
 
PRC Position Not Changing 
------------------------- 
 
¶3. (C) Yang reiterated that the PRC and the United States are 
in agreement that Iran cannot be allowed to possess nuclear 
weapons and this position will not change.  Iran's failure to 
reverse its course has disappointed Beijing.  Yang stressed 
that Beijing continues to pressure Tehran and noted that 
Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing's message to Iranian Foreign 
Minister Motaki that "only Iran can help Iran" is also being 
delivered in New York. Yang stated that the MFA's West Asian 
and North African Affairs Department is handling the current 
visit of Iranian presidential envoy Larijani.  The two sides 
will discuss the nuclear issue, as well as bilateral 
relations.  Yang said that attempting to work with Iran has 
been very frustrating for the MFA. 
 
But Skeptical of Sanctions 
-------------------------- 
 
¶4. (C) Beijing remains skeptical of what should come after a 
PRST.  Yang said that sanctions are "not in touch with 
reality" and said that the threat of sanctions historically 
has never worked.  Pointing out the unprecedented opposition 
Iran is currently facing from its "friends and enemies," Yang 
said that it is imperative to maintain P5 unity and to keep 
up the "comprehensive pressure" on Iran. 
 
Germany's Role in the P5 Consultations 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶5. (C) Noting plans for a P-5 Political Directors meeting in 
New York, Yang said Beijing supports including Germany but 
opposes including the UN Permreps if Germany is going to 
participate.  He stressed that this would subject the P-5 to 
future pressure by other interested parties who believe they 
are entitled to participate in P-5 consultations in New York. 
 Yang asked for clarification of the U.S. position on a joint 
meeting that would include Germany to discuss the PRST. 
Poloffs undertook to report Yang's question. 
 
BEIJING 00004893  002 OF 002 
 
 
RANDT