

Currently released so far... 12689 / 251,287
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
2011/03/01
2011/03/02
2011/03/03
2011/03/04
2011/03/05
2011/03/06
2011/03/07
2011/03/08
2011/03/09
2011/03/10
2011/03/11
2011/03/13
2011/03/14
2011/03/15
2011/03/16
2011/03/17
2011/03/18
2011/03/19
2011/03/20
2011/03/21
2011/03/22
2011/03/23
2011/03/24
2011/03/25
2011/03/26
2011/03/27
2011/03/28
2011/03/29
2011/03/30
2011/03/31
2011/04/01
2011/04/02
2011/04/03
2011/04/04
2011/04/05
2011/04/06
2011/04/07
2011/04/08
2011/04/09
2011/04/10
2011/04/11
2011/04/12
2011/04/13
2011/04/14
2011/04/15
2011/04/16
2011/04/17
2011/04/18
2011/04/19
2011/04/20
2011/04/21
2011/04/22
2011/04/23
2011/04/24
2011/04/25
2011/04/26
2011/04/27
2011/04/28
2011/04/29
2011/04/30
2011/05/01
2011/05/02
2011/05/03
2011/05/04
2011/05/05
2011/05/06
2011/05/07
2011/05/08
2011/05/09
2011/05/10
2011/05/11
2011/05/12
2011/05/13
2011/05/14
2011/05/15
2011/05/16
2011/05/17
2011/05/18
2011/05/19
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Apia
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Auckland
Consulate Amsterdam
Consulate Adana
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belmopan
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Ciudad Juarez
Consulate Chennai
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Consulate Calgary
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dili
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Helsinki
Embassy Harare
Embassy Hanoi
Consulate Ho Chi Minh City
Consulate Hermosillo
Consulate Hamilton
Consulate Hamburg
Consulate Halifax
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kingston
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kathmandu
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Consulate Kolkata
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lahore
Consulate Lagos
Mission USOSCE
Mission USNATO
Mission UNESCO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manila
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Mumbai
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Consulate Melbourne
Embassy Nicosia
Embassy Niamey
Embassy New Delhi
Embassy Ndjamena
Embassy Nassau
Embassy Nairobi
Consulate Naples
Consulate Naha
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Of Spain
Embassy Port Louis
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Suva
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate St Petersburg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sapporo
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
Consulate Toronto
Consulate Tijuana
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Office Almaty
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Embassy Vilnius
Embassy Vienna
Embassy Vatican
Embassy Valletta
Consulate Vladivostok
Consulate Vancouver
Browse by tag
AF
ASEC
AR
AEMR
AMGT
AE
AU
AID
AORC
APER
AS
AM
AFIN
AMED
AJ
AGR
ACOA
ANET
ASIG
ABLD
AL
AA
APECO
AGAO
AY
AGMT
APEC
AINF
AG
ACS
AECL
AFFAIRS
ABUD
ASUP
ADANA
AADP
AMCHAMS
ARF
ASEAN
ADPM
ATRN
ALOW
APCS
ADCO
ACAO
AORG
AROC
AO
AODE
ACABQ
AX
AMEX
AFGHANISTAN
AZ
AND
ARM
AQ
ATFN
AMBASSADOR
ACBAQ
AFSI
AFSN
AC
AUC
ASEX
AER
AVERY
AGRICULTURE
ASCH
AFU
AMG
ATPDEA
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AORL
ADM
AN
AIT
BU
BR
BL
BO
BA
BB
BG
BM
BBSR
BH
BEXP
BK
BD
BTIO
BT
BE
BY
BF
BX
BP
BRUSSELS
BILAT
BIDEN
BC
BMGT
BWC
BN
BTIU
CH
CG
CF
CU
CE
CVIS
CASC
CO
CS
CA
CIDA
CBW
CW
CMGT
CI
CODEL
CY
CPAS
CJAN
CD
CWC
CDG
CIA
CL
CROS
CAPC
CTR
CT
CR
CBSA
CEUDA
COM
CFED
CV
CACS
CARSON
CLINTON
CN
CONS
CM
CAC
CIC
COPUOS
CDC
CONDOLEEZZA
CICTE
COUNTER
COUNTRY
CBE
CKGR
CHR
CVR
COUNTERTERRORISM
CITEL
CLEARANCE
COE
CARICOM
CB
CSW
CITT
CACM
CDB
CJUS
CTM
CAN
CLMT
CBC
CNARC
CIS
EG
EZ
EUN
ECON
ETRD
ECPS
EFIN
ENRG
ETTC
EPET
EINV
EAID
EAIR
EWWT
EU
EAGR
EC
ELAB
EIND
EN
EMIN
ESENV
ENNP
EFIS
ELTN
ET
ECIN
EFTA
ES
EINT
EI
ENGR
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ENVI
ETRDECONWTOCS
ECINECONCS
ELN
ELECTIONS
ENVR
EXTERNAL
EXIM
ETRO
ENIV
ESA
ER
EK
EUR
EFINECONCS
EUMEM
EUREM
EPA
ERNG
ENERG
ECA
ETRC
EINVEFIN
ETC
EAP
ECONOMY
EINN
ECONOMIC
EXBS
ECUN
ENGY
ECONOMICS
EIAR
EINDETRD
ECONEFIN
EURN
EDU
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ECIP
EFIM
EAIDS
EREL
EINVETC
ECONCS
ETRA
EAIG
EUC
ERD
ETRN
EINVECONSENVCSJA
EEPET
EUNCH
IS
IZ
IR
IC
IO
IN
ID
IGAD
IT
ILC
IAEA
ITU
ICAO
IMO
IBRD
IMF
ICJ
IAHRC
ITF
INRA
INRO
IWC
IQ
IV
ICRC
ICTY
INRB
IEFIN
ILO
ITRA
ITALY
IBET
ISRAELI
IL
INTELSAT
IRC
IDP
ICTR
IRAQI
IPR
IIP
INMARSAT
ITPGOV
ITALIAN
INTERNAL
IRS
IA
INTERPOL
IEA
INR
IZPREL
IRAJ
IF
ITPHUM
ISRAEL
IACI
INDO
IDA
ISLAMISTS
KSPR
KNNP
KWBG
KAWK
KISL
KPAO
KN
KS
KIPR
KCRM
KDEM
KIRF
KJUS
KHLS
KSCA
KOMC
KAWC
KV
KFRD
KWMN
KTIP
KPWR
KSUM
KGHG
KTIA
KTFN
KIRC
KCOR
KACT
KMDR
KGIC
KOLY
KUNR
KIDE
KMPI
KPKO
KCFE
KVPR
KRAD
KPAL
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KTEX
KTDB
KFSC
KZ
KSEP
KFLU
KE
KU
KPLS
KRVC
KRIM
KSTH
KG
KFLO
KPOA
KICC
KDDG
KPRV
KTBT
KBCT
KSAF
KMOC
KDRG
KBIO
KREC
KSTC
KVRP
KBTR
KMIG
KENV
KNSD
KCGC
KWAC
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KWMM
KPRP
KNEI
KPAI
KO
KVIR
KX
KMCA
KCRS
KMFO
KID
KCIP
KNAR
KR
KCRCM
KBTS
KSEO
KHDP
KFIN
KOCI
KGIT
KNUP
KPAONZ
KNUC
KNNPMNUC
KERG
KSCI
KTLA
KHIV
KCSY
KTRD
KMRS
KNPP
KJUST
KCMR
KTER
KRCM
KCFC
KSAC
KCHG
KREL
KFTFN
KCOM
KLIG
KDEMAF
KAID
KGCC
KICA
KHUM
KSEC
KPIN
KESS
KDEV
KWWMN
KOM
KWNM
KRFD
KRGY
KIFR
KWMNCS
KPAK
KOMS
KHSA
MPOS
MOPS
MARR
MTCR
MNUC
MASS
MX
MCAP
MAR
MTRE
MASC
MK
MG
MTCRE
MI
MD
MA
MO
MY
MU
ML
MRCRE
MAS
MEDIA
MC
MR
MIL
MW
MARAD
MAPP
MZ
MP
MOPPS
MTS
MLS
MILI
MEPN
MEPI
MEETINGS
MERCOSUR
MT
MCC
MIK
MAPS
MV
MILITARY
MDC
MEPP
MASSMNUC
MUCN
MQADHAFI
NATO
NG
NL
NZ
NT
NW
NO
NU
NS
NPT
NASA
NI
NK
NSG
NE
NORAD
NAFTA
NP
NATIONAL
NSSP
NSF
NA
NGO
NV
NR
NDP
NIPP
NZUS
NH
NC
NEW
NRR
NAR
NATOPREL
NPG
NSC
NPA
NSFO
OPDC
OPRC
OEXC
OTRA
ODIP
OIIP
OVIP
OPIC
OPCW
OAS
OREP
OSCE
OSCI
OES
OFDP
OECD
OCS
OIC
OPAD
OVP
OHUM
OFFICIALS
OIE
OTR
OMIG
OSAC
OBSP
OFDA
ON
OCII
PREL
PGOV
PARM
PINR
PTER
PHUM
PK
PREF
PM
PHSA
PA
PINS
PE
PBTS
PCI
PO
PL
POGOV
PAK
PEL
PGIV
PROP
PP
PBIO
POL
POLITICS
POLICY
PINL
PBT
PMIL
POV
PTBS
PG
POSTS
PALESTINIAN
PROV
PNAT
PINF
PRL
PAS
PDOV
PRAM
PREO
PAHO
PHUMPGOV
PAO
PREFA
PSI
POLITICAL
PAIGH
PARMS
PROG
PTERE
PRGOV
PORG
PS
PGOF
PKFK
PSOE
PEPR
PPA
PINT
PMAR
PRELP
PNG
PFOR
PUNE
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PSEPC
PNR
POLINT
PGOVE
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PDEM
PECON
PGOC
PY
PLN
PHUH
PF
PHUS
PU
PARTIES
PCUL
PGGV
PSA
PGOVSMIGKCRMKWMNPHUMCVISKFRDCA
PHUMPREL
RS
RU
RW
REACTION
RCMP
RSO
RO
RP
ROOD
RM
ROBERT
RICE
REGION
RSP
RF
RIGHTS
RIGHTSPOLMIL
RUPREL
RELATIONS
RFE
REPORT
SY
SP
SOCI
SMIG
SNAR
SCUL
SC
SU
SO
SI
SENV
SZ
SW
SA
SR
SF
SEVN
SN
STEINBERG
SEN
SG
SYR
SWE
SK
SH
SNARCS
SAARC
SNARIZ
SPCE
SARS
SNARN
SCRS
SYRIA
SL
SENVKGHG
SAN
ST
SIPDIS
SSA
SPCVIS
SOFA
SANC
SHI
SHUM
SIPRS
TSPA
TSPL
TU
TBIO
TRGY
TPHY
TS
TP
TW
TBID
TI
TF
TZ
TD
TT
TN
TNGD
TC
TX
TH
TL
TIP
THPY
TV
TK
TERRORISM
TO
TRSY
TURKEY
TINT
TFIN
TAGS
TR
US
UNSC
UNGA
UK
UP
UNCHC
UN
UNMIK
UNCSD
UY
USTR
USOAS
UNHRC
UNFCYP
UG
UNAUS
UNESCO
UNIDROIT
UNO
UV
UNHCR
USUN
UZ
USNC
UNCHR
UNCND
UNEP
USEU
USPS
USAID
UE
UNVIE
UAE
UNDP
UNODC
UNCHS
UNFICYP
UNDESCO
UNC
UNPUOS
UNDC
UNICEF
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 05MUSCAT679, U.S.-CHINA SECURITY DIALOGUE: MEETING WITH DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF LTGEN MA XIAOTIAN, JUNE 5, 2008
If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs
Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
- The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
- The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
- The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #05MUSCAT679.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
05MUSCAT679 | 2005-04-25 10:35 | 2011-02-02 21:00 | SECRET | Embassy Muscat |
This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 002305
SIPDIS PACOM FOR FPA AMB CHRISTY
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/12/2033
TAGS: ETTC PARM PREL IR MU
SUBJECT: U.S.-CHINA SECURITY DIALOGUE: MEETING WITH DEPUTY CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF LTGEN MA XIAOTIAN, JUNE 5, 2008
Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons
1.4 (b) and (d).
Summary -------
1.(C) In a June 5 meeting at the Ministry of National Defense with Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security Affairs John Rood, PRC Deputy Chief of the General Staff Department Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian summarized the People's Liberation Army's major arms control and nonproliferation activities as evidence of China's desire to increase transparency and build cooperation with the United States. He criticized the United States on arms sales to Taiwan, missile defense and U.S. Congressional and media portrayals of China. Acting Under Secretary Rood underscored both the U.S. desire to understand the changes in China's strategic forces and the importance of transparency to help both sides avoid misunderstanding and miscalculation. He cautioned that lack of transparency is not a strategic advantage, but rather a potential source of tension.
2.(C) LTG Ma agreed on the importance of communication to increase confidence and mutual trust. He acknowledged that China is a fast-growing power in the Asian region, but stressed that the PRC's military development supports peace and stability and should not be viewed as a threat. Ma said China's deterrent forces are solely for use against "those who plan deterrence against China." LTG Ma described the United States and China as neither allies nor adversaries and added that the two countries could become partners and eventually friends. He called China's nuclear forces an "imperative reality," and said there is no limit to the technical progress China could make in this area. LTG Ma cited China's bi-annual defense white paper as evidence that the PRC is continuously increasing military transparency, but asserted that China will not change its transparency policy that has served China well for decades. Acting U/S Rood reminded LTG Ma that the United States does not view China as an enemy. While welcoming China's steps toward increased transparency, the United States also urges that China's military transparency policy keep pace with its rapid and dramatic material changes. End Summary.
Evolving U.S.-PRC Military Relationship ---------------------------------------
3.(C) LTG Ma stated that visits such as those of Acting Under Secretary Rood, Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte, and Under Secretary of Defense Edelman in the Defense Consultative Talks framework, are important steps in the evolving U.S.-China military relationship. Acting U/S Rood agreed and also offered condolences regarding the damage and loss caused by the earthquake in Sichuan Province. LTG Ma offered his sincere thanks to the United States for its recent humanitarian assistance, citing the U.S. military airlift of needed supplies to Chengdu and USD 770,000 in emergency funds. LTG Ma noted his discussion with PACOM Commander ADM Keating on the airlift operation and asked that his sincere thanks be passed to the U.S. Department of Defense.
China's Support of Arms Control and Nonproliferation --------------------------------------------- --------
4.(C) LTG Ma stressed the importance of finding common ground in arms control and nonproliferation. China strictly adheres to international treaties, and any arms shipped are solely defensive. He stated that the PLA cooperates with the Chinese MFA and other Chinese agencies in implementing arms control and nonprolifration regulations. LTG Ma cited several examples of China's arms control and nonproliferation accomplishments, including China's implementation of new procedures for eleven Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) monitoring stations along the PRC border, its strict adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), willingness to permit the inspection of multiple Chinese units, implementation of awareness education and China's participation in global de-mining efforts through its provision of equipment and training courses to foreign military personnel.
5.(C) LTG Ma said that China has adopted a "stringent" examination and approval mechanism for proliferation BEIJING 00002305 002 OF 003 regulations and export controls that follows three principles. Any Chinese weapons sale 1) must assist a country's legitimate defense, 2) must not undermine regional and world peace and security, and 3) must not interfere in the internal affairs of recipient countries.
Transparency to Avoid Misunderstanding --------------------------------------
6.(C) Acting U/S Rood stated that threats have changed over the past few years and the United States is adapting to these changes. U/S Rood cited Iran, Syria, North Korea and terrorism as focus areas in U.S. defense doctrine. It is important and beneficial to share how we see the world and to properly manage disagreements. Acting U/S Rood praised ongoing strategic cooperation with China, citing North Korea as an example. The United States and China should continue to build mutual trust and transparency to prevent misunderstanding. In this light, the United States wishes to learn more about China's strategic intentions. Acting U/S Rood noted significant U.S. concerns about China's ASAT orientation and its increasing nuclear stockpiles, particularly at a time when other nuclear countries are reducing their arsenals. He noted that while some claim a lack of transparency is a strategic advantage, the reality is just the opposite. In the absence of clarity, misunderstandings can occur, and the United States could assign motives to Chinese actions that might not be accurate. Noting that transparency regarding Taiwan is beneficial to both countries, Acting U/S Rood explained that China may think an action is de-escalatory while the United States may interpret the same action differently.
Fundamental Mutual Trust a Pre-Condition ----------------------------------------
7.(C) LTG Ma agreed that it is necessary to "speak and listen" to increase understanding. However, he said, "fundamental mutual trust" is a pre-condition for confidence, which leads in turn to mutual understanding. The PRC is rapidly growing, and the PLA's military development can either be viewed as a peaceful stabilizing force or a threat. LTG Ma believes it is not proper for the United States to approach current bilateral challenges the same way it viewed the "historical East-West Cold War." The PRC observes this negative attitude in statements by the U.S. Congress. He complained about U.S. press coverage of the recent Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, noting that although he and Secretary Gates spoke separately, the press reported the two speeches as though they were a heated debate.
8.(C) LTG Ma described the United States and China as neither allies nor adversaries, but added that the two countries could become partners and eventually friends. He called China's nuclear forces an "imperative reality" and said there should be no limit on technical progress. China's "No First Use" policy is unique in the world, yet the PRC is still labeled as one of "seven targets" for a nuclear strike by the United States. LTG Ma said China "faced direct and straightforward nuclear threats from its northern neighbor" in past years. The United States and Russia may be reducing the number of nuclear weapons, but they are increasing the technical capabilities of their weapons. Blurring the line between nuclear and non-nuclear weapons could have "tremendous" consequences on the battlefield. LTG Ma complained that the United States is developing "clean nuclear weapons and dirty conventional weapons or depleted uranium bombs." He criticized the United States specifically for the Minot AFB nuclear over-flight incident and the mistaken shipment to Taiwan of nuclear missile components, and accused the United States of conducting anti-satellite (ASAT) research. He described the U.S. missile defense system as being both offensive and defensive in nature, since it includes lasers that attack a missile in launch phase over the sovereign territory of the launching country.
Unequal Transparency --------------------
9.(C) LTG Ma cited the PLA's bi-annual defense white paper as evidence that the PRC is continuously increasing military transparency, but asserted that it is impossible for the PRC to change its decades-old way of doing business to become transparent using the U.S. model. He complained that U.S. BEIJING 00002305 003 OF 003 visitors get greater access when touring PRC naval ships than the United States allows China. He noted that trends on Taiwan are positive, but argued that the United States is increasing its military relationship with Taiwan, including participating in Taiwan's Yushan exercise. He also mentioned potential F-16C/D sales to Taiwan as sending the wrong message. LTG Ma urged Acting U/S Rood to take the necessary practical steps to stabilize this situation to the benefit of both countries.
Avoiding Potential Problems ---------------------------
10.(C) Acting U/S Rood responded that a security dialogue is a positive mechanism even if the respective messages are not necessarily welcome. The United States does not regard China as an enemy. Increasing transparency is in everyone's interest. He raised PRC harassment of U.S. naval vessels operating in China's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and urged the PRC to avoid dangerous tactics and procedures that could lead to accidents, and to discuss these operational matters with the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM). LTG Ma responded that these could be taken up during the next visits by PACOM Commander ADM Keating and the Guangzhou Military Region Commander.
11.(U) Participants: UNITED STATES Acting Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security John C. Rood Michael Allen, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Counter-proliferation Strategy, NSC John Hill, Principal Director for East Asian Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense Rich Davison, Principal Director for Strategic Capabilities, Office of the Secretary of Defense Tim Katsapis, Senior Advisor to U/S Rood Captain Thomas Mangold, Acting Defense Attache Lt Colonel Jeffrey Louie, Defense Attache Office (notetaker) James Brown, Interpreter PRC Lieutenant General Ma Xiaotian, Deputy Chief of Staff, General Staff Department, Ministry of National Defense Major General Qian Lihua, Director of Foreign Affairs Office, MND Li Song, Deputy Director General, Department of Arms Control and Disarmament Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Shen Jian, Deputy Section Chief of Arms Control Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA Major Cheng Kai, Interpreter, MND
12.(U) Acting U/S Rood cleared this message.
PICCUTA