Cable from Ambassador Katori to the Foreign Minister, 'Prime Minister Visit to China (Foreign Ministers’ Discussion – Regarding the Participation of China in the ADB)'

Number R037811

Primary: Asia and China

Sent: China 01:00 Year Month 25

Received: MOFA 02:20 1984 March 25

To: The Foreign Minister From: Ambassador Katori

Prime Minister Visit to China (Foreign Ministers’ Discussion - Regarding the participation of China in the ADB)　

Number 1341 Top Secret Top Urgent

(Limited Distribution)

Wire 1339 Separate Wire 2

1. When discussing US-China relations, Foreign Minister Wu said the following regarding the issue of participating in the ADB.

(1) US Secretary of the Treasury [Donald] Regan visited China last week. I (Wu) met with him and one of the topics of discussion was China’s participation in the Asian Development Bank.

Secretary Regan had two points: (a) The US recognizes the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government of China, and the ADB will recognize only the above government as the representative of China, (b) the status of Taiwan in regards to the ABD is a subtle issue, and so he hopes for the US and China to discuss the matter in confidence to find a suitable solution. Additionally, the Secretary provided a concrete idea, saying that, for example, talks could be pursued through the ADB President [Masao] Fujioka, or directly with China. Furthermore, because this year is a presidential election year, they requested that this topic not be released and for talks to be carried on in confidence.

(2) I (Wu) answered that I respect the above stated conversation. China is a country that understands reason, and so we are also concerned about the economic benefit of the Taiwanese people. From this perspective, I (Wu) also suggested: (a) include Taiwan as an associate member state under the name “China-Taiwan;” (b) revise necessary parts of the current terms of the ADB (for instance, Taiwan is not a member of the United Nations, among other problems), recognize the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the representative of China and include Taiwan as an associate member state. I also stated that we are prepared to engage in more concrete discussions with President Fujioka.

(3) In either case, in regards to the status of Taiwan in the ADB, China hopes to take into consideration the issues that confront the US, to protect Chinese interests, and to plan a rational solution. We want to cooperate with the Japanese Government, as well, and find a solution that all parties can find acceptable.

2. Cabinet Minister Abe responded as follows:

I understand very clearly what you are saying. I believe that the idea for Taiwan to participate in the ADB under the name “China-Taiwan” is a favorable solution to this problem. Japan hopes for a negotiated resolution that all parties can find satisfactory. Secretary Regan’s idea is also interesting. We would also like to discuss the matter with the US (End)