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