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### Viewing cable 06BEIJING15779, COMMERCE U/S LAVIN MEETS NDRC VICE CHAIRMAN ZHANG,

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Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin
--- | --- | --- | --- | ---
06BEIJING15779 | 2006-08-01 08:52 | 2011-08-23 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Beijing

`

    VZCZCXRO6680
    PP RUEHCN RUEHGH
    DE RUEHBJ #5779/01 2130852
    ZNR UUUUU ZZH
    P 010852Z AUG 06
    FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
    TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2776
    RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
    RUEADWD/DA WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
    INFO RUEHCN/AMCONSUL CHENGDU 6886
    RUEHGZ/AMCONSUL GUANGZHOU 1178
    RUEHGH/AMCONSUL SHANGHAI 5418
    RUEHSH/AMCONSUL SHENYANG 6650
    RUEHHK/AMCONSUL HONG KONG 7919
    RUEHIN/AIT TAIPEI 5866
    RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA 1247

` `

    UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 BEIJING 015779

    SIPDIS

    SIPDIS

    USDOC FOR DAS LEVINE, BIS/DUS/MFOULON, AND
    4420/ITA/MAC/CEA/MCQUEEN
    USTR FOR BHATIA/STRATFORD/WINTER/ALTBACH/MCCARTIN
    GENEVA FOR USTR

    SENSITIVE

    E.O. 12958: N/A
    TAGS: ETRD EAGR ECON WTRO KIPR CH TW
    SUBJECT: COMMERCE U/S LAVIN MEETS NDRC VICE CHAIRMAN ZHANG,
    SASAC VICE CHAIRMAN SHAO

    ¶1. (SBU)Summary: Franklin L. Lavin, Department of Commerce
    Under Secretary (U/S) for International Trade on July 28,
    2006 held separate meetings with National Development and
    Reform Commission (NDRC) Vice Chairman Zhang Xiaoqiang and
    State-owned Asset Supervisory and Administration Commission
    (SASAC) Vice Chairman Shao Ning.  U/S Lavin during his
    meeting with NDRC Vice Chairman Zhang stated there is a
    growing perception that China is allowing political
    considerations to influence its economic policy.  He said a
    recent joint letter from Commerce Secretary Gutierrez and
    Energy Secretary Bodman demonstrates Washingon's support
    for Westinghouse's bid in China's nuclear power plant
    competition.  NDRC Vice Chairman Zhang said the Chinese
    Government is enacting policies that reflect the changing
    nature of China's market rather than being protectionist.
    He stated Beijing appreciated the Westinghouse letter's
    significance, but reiterated the long-term support of the
    competing companies host governments is a key criteria in
    the competition.  U/S Lavin closed by inviting NDRC
    participation in a venture capital forum, while Vice
    Chairman Zhang closed by encouraging Washington
    participation in energy talks to be held in Beijing.

    ¶2. (SBU) During his meeting with SASAC Vice Chairman Shao,
    U/S Lavin stated that it is important for Washington to
    learn as much as possible about how China's SOE system
    operates.  He said there is a need for China's stated owed
    enterprises (SOEs) to make dividend payments to the Chinese
    Government, rather than simply plow profits back into the
    enterprise.  This would level the playing field between the
    SOEs and foreign companies doing business in the China.
    SASAC Vice Chairman Shao said he agreed with this point.  He
    stated that the Chinese Government is working to establish a
    system that would facilitate such payments.  The system also
    will allow SASAC to better manage the sell-off or spin-off
    of subsidiaries from SOEs. End Summary.

    --------------------------------------------- ------------
    Under Secretary Lavin Meets With NDRC Vice Chairman Zhang
    --------------------------------------------- ------------

    Zhang Defends Recent Foreign Investment Restrictions
    --------------------------------------------- -------

    ¶3. (SBU) U/S Lavin, accompanied by Clark T. Randt, U.S.
    Ambassador to China, on July 28, 2006 met NDRC Vice Chairman
    Zhang Xiaoqiang to discuss a broad range of bilateral trade
    and investment issues.   U/S Lavin started the meeting by
    stating that some in the United States perceive that the
    Chinese Government is increasingly allowing political issues
    to influence investment decisions in China.  Vice Chairman
    Zhang said that Beijing, since the beginning of its opening
    and reform period, has sought to promote the introduction of
    advanced management techniques, high-technology, and foreign
    capital into the Chinese market.   Beijing's evolving
    economic policies must reflect the changing nature of
    investment activity in China while also protecting the
    environment and promoting energy efficiency.

    ¶4. (SBU) Vice Chairman Zhang said that in previous years
    mergers and acquisitions (M&A) accounted for about five
    percent of foreign direct investment (FDI) in China.  M&A
    activities in 2005 accounted for 20 percent of China's FDI.
    Vice Chairman Zhang stated many Chinese government and
    industry observers have commented that if left unchecked,
    this trend could damage China's economic security.  To avoid
    this type of damage, the NDRC is placing restrictions on
    foreign investment in the financial, energy, and heavy
    machinery equipment sectors.  Vice Chairman Zhang said that
    the Chinese Government has closely studied the U.S.
    Government's response to 9/11.  Beijing has noted that
    following 9/11 Washington placed restrictions on foreign
    investment in several sectors, including agriculture,
    energy, transportation, banking and finance, and high-
    technology.  The Chinese Government similarly believes it is
    important to protect its economy from foreign threats.

    BEIJING 00015779  002 OF 006

    ¶5. (SBU) U/S Lavin stated Washington understands Beijing
    must ensure that it protects China's economic security when
    formulating investment policies.  In some recent cases,
    however, it appears Beijing is protecting domestic
    businesses rather than the country's economic security.  The
    steel and automobile sectors in particular, are growing
    areas of concern in that regard.  U/S Lavin noted that cross
    border investment can help countries avoid bilateral trade
    frictions, such as antidumping charges.  Vice Chairman Zhang
    said that China's automobile and steel sectors have always
    been open to foreign investment.  China's automobile
    industry has largely been built through joint ventures with
    the world's leading automobile manufacturers, including
    General Motors, Volkswagen, and Nissan among others.  China
    only has one brand of automobile that is not foreign.  Vice
    Chairman Zhang said that foreign interest in participating
    in China's steel sector is relatively recent since the
    sector has expanded only in the past several years to the
    degree necessary to attract foreign investment.  Arcelor and
    Mittal, two of the world's leading steel makers, now have
    significant investment in Chinese steel enterprises.  U/S
    Lavin said that Beijing's achievement ensuring foreign
    investment in these sectors is laudable, and certainly
    contributed to the past twenty years of China's economic
    growth.  The concern among many U.S. investors and
    businesses is that the appearance of a growing economic
    nationalism in China may prevent similar success stories
    during the next twenty years.

    Zhang, Lavin Discuss Westinghouse, JCCT Commitments
    --------------------------------------------- ------

    ¶6. (SBU) U/S Lavin said that he wanted to ensure that
    Beijing understands the significance of a recent joint
    letter from Commerce Secretary Gutierrez and Energy
    Secretary Bodman to the Chinese Government supporting

    SIPDIS
    Westinghouse's bid to build nuclear power plants in China.
    This type of joint letter is rare and should be taken as a
    signal of the U.S. Government's firm commitment to
    Westinghouse.  Vice Chairman Zhang stated that the Chinese
    Government took note of the positive attitude of the U.S.
    Government towards Westinghouse's bid.  Beijing believes
    that the company selected to participate in China's nuclear
    power program needs to have the firm backing of its
    government.

    ¶7. (SBU) Vice Chairman Zhang said he is aware that in the
    past some contracts between U.S. companies and Chinese
    counterparts have been nullified because of political
    factors.  In many cases, Beijing has been willing to accept
    these decisions because the contracts were relatively small.
    Zhang said that in the case of the nuclear power program,
    however, anything short of a full, long-term commitment by
    the U.S. Government would be unacceptable.  U/S Lavin stated
    that Washington wants to ensure that Westinghouse is able to
    compete for the contract on normal business terms.  Beyond
    the joint letter, the U.S. Government's long-term commitment
    to peaceful nuclear power programs abroad has been futher
    demonstrated by the recent passing of Congressional
    legislation supporting U.S. participation in India's nuclear
    power program.

    ¶8. (SBU) U/S Lavin stated that the U.S. Government
    appreciates the efforts the NDRC has taken to date in
    communicating with U.S. medical device companies.  Company
    representatives indicate that solid groundwork has been laid
    for future cooperation.  U/S Lavin said that the U.S.
    Government is pleased that the Chinese Government continues
    to take positive steps following the recent Joint Commission
    on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) talks in Washington to enable
    express delivery services to expand their business in China.
    The development of these businesses in China will inevitably
    expand the country's economic growth.  U/S Lavin stated that
    Washington also has been pleased with Beijing's neutral
    stance on the type of 3G cell phone technology to be used in

    BEIJING 00015779  003 OF 006

    China.  Vice Chairman Zhang said Beijing remains committed
    to enacting postal reform that promotes a healthy business
    climate for express delivery services and other related
    businesses.  Beijing will allow the market to determine the
    best 3G cell phone technology for Chinese customers.  Vice
    Chairman Zhang stated for a particular cell phone technology
    to be successful in China, it will need to be advanced and
    reliable, provide good return on investment for the
    companies employing it, and will have to adhere to China's
    information security laws.

    Zhang Presses For More U.S. Hi-Tech Exports
    -------------------------------------------

    ¶9. (SBU) Vice Chairman Zhang stated one of the most
    important discussions held during the recent JCCT dialog was
    that regarding the need to increase U.S. exports to China.
    As stated during the JCCT, Beijing believes the lifting of
    U.S. export restrictions on high technology (hi-tech) civil
    use computer equipment and components is the most immediate
    way to increase U.S. exports.  The Chinese Government
    estimates it would lead to a 20 billion U.S. dollar annual
    increase in U.S. exports to China.  Vice Chairman Zhang
    stated Beijing has learned that Washington is considering
    amending its export regulations to make them more
    restrictive.  U/S Lavin stated that he questioned whether
    the lifting of export restrictions on hi-tech sales would
    have as significant an impact as Beijing suspects.  It also
    is important to note that the United States is a leading
    exporter to China of other items, such as cotton and
    soybeans.  Additionally, during the first five months of
    2006, overall U.S. exports to China have grown by some 36.5
    percent.  U/S Lavin stated these facts point to the
    improving competitiveness of U.S. products in the Chinese
    market.

    ¶10. (SBU) Vice Chairman Zhang said despite rising U.S.
    exports to China during the first part of 2006, the Chinese
    Government still maintains U.S. companies are missing out on
    hi-tech opportunities in China.  Chinese Government
    statistics indicate that in 2005, foreign businesses
    exported some 200 billion U.S. dollars worth of hi-tech
    products to China.  The United States accounted for only
    around six percent of this trade.  Vice Chairman Zhang
    stated that U.S. companies could capture the bulk of this
    trade if Washington would ease export restrictions.  U.S.
    trade success in other areas, such as agricultural products,
    is laudable, but pale in comparison to the potential of the
    hi-tech field.  U/S Lavin stated that several U.S. hi-tech
    products could be exported to China if provided adequate
    market access.  These products include clean coal technology
    developed by General Electric and fiber optic cable made by
    Corning.  U/S Lavin stated that if the Chinese Government
    and Chinese businesses want to have a voice in the U.S.
    export regime, they should provide written comments on the
    pending revised export regulations.  These regulations are
    currently in a public comment period, but to date, Beijing
    has not participated in the process.  Vice Chairman Zhang
    said that he would encourage the Chinese Government and
    Chinese businesses to participate in the proposed export
    regulation comment process.

    Zhang Promotes Energy Talks, Lavin Venture Capital Forum
    --------------------------------------------- -----------

    ¶11. (SBU) Vice Chairman Zhang stated the Chinese Government
    hopes to build upon the rapport established by Chinese
    President Hu and U.S. President Bush during their meetings
    in Washington and on the margins of the G8 in Moscow.  The
    recent strengthening of bilateral political and economic
    ties is a positive development for the people of both
    countries.  To that end, Vice Chairman Zhang closed by
    encouraging U.S. participation in a Five Party Energy
    Ministerial dialog proposed by Beijing.  U/S Lavin said that
    he appreciated the opportunity to meet with Vice Chairman
    Zhang and other senior Chinese economic and trade

    BEIJING 00015779  004 OF 006

    policymakers.  He said the Department of Commerce would like
    to extend a formal invitation to the NDRC to attend a
    venture capital forum to be held in the United States.  The
    forum will be similar to one hosted by the NDRC several
    years ago.  U/S Lavin closed his remarks by stating that he
    hoped that the NDRC would accept the invitation and that
    Vice Chairman Zhang would lead the Chinese delegation to the
    forum.

    ¶12. (U) Chinese Participants:

    -NDRC Vice Chairman Zhang
    -Chen Bin, Vice Director, Department of Industry, NDRC
    -Li Bin, Deputy Director General, Department of Foreign
    Affairs, NDRC
    -Wang Dong, Deputy Director General, Department of Foreign
    Capital Utilization, NDRC
    -Zhou Wangjun, Deputy Director General, Department of
    Prices, NDRC

    ¶13. (U) United States Participants:

    -Franklin L. Lavin, Under Secretary of Commerce for
    International Trade
    -Clark T. Randt, United States Ambassador to China
    -Cheryl McQueen, Director, Office of the Chinese Economic
    Area, Market Access & Compliance
    -Matthew Dauphinais, Special Assistant, Office of the Under
    Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

    SIPDIS
    -Barry I. Friedman, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy
    Beijing
    -Robert S. Luke, Economic Minister Counselor, U.S. Embassy
    Beijing

    --------------------------------------------- ------------
    Under Secretary Lavin Meets With SASAC Vice Chairman Shao
    --------------------------------------------- ------------

    Shao Provides SOE Reform History, Explains SASAC's Role
    --------------------------------------------- ----------

    ¶14. (SBU) On July 28, 2006 U/S Lavin met with SASAC Vice
    Chairman Shao Ning to discuss the Chinese Government's
    progress in reforming its SOE system.  Vice Chairman Shao
    began his comments by stating that SASAC has only been a
    government office since 2003 and is in the early stages of
    its work.  The most significant achievement to date in SOE
    reform occurred in 1998 when Beijing severed the financial
    tether binding the Central Government, Chinese state-owned
    banks, and SOEs.  This resulted in a large number of SOEs
    going bankrupt because they were no longer guaranteed bank
    loans to cover operating losses, but it ensured the
    financial viability of those SOEs that survived.  Vice
    Chairman Shao said that the next stage of reform would
    result in further closure or sale of numerous large SOEs.
    This should leave each Chinese Province retaining only 10 to
    20 of its large SOEs while the Central Government should be
    left with less than 100, down from its current portfolio of
    ¶169.

    ¶15. (SBU) U/S Lavin said that it is very important for the
    U.S. Government to learn as much as possible about how
    China's SOE system operates given the close economic ties
    between the two countries.  In particular, it would be
    helpful to know the scale of Central SOE's that SASAC
    oversees and SASAC's management role in these enterprises.
    Vice Chairman Shao stated that the State Grid Company with
    some 1.3 million employees is the largest SOE in SASAC's
    portfolio.  Meanwhile, two energy SOEs, Sinopec and
    PetroChina, are the leaders in terms of revenue and profit.
    Vice Chairman Shao said that SASAC's role in managing its
    SOEs is best illustrated by using PetroChina as an example.
    SASAC has no role in PetroChina's decisions where to drill
    for oil or natural gas.  That type of decision is left to
    PetroChina's professional managers.  By contrast, if
    PetroChina decided that it wanted to go into the real estate

    BEIJING 00015779  005 OF 006

    or other non-core business areas, the enterprise must have
    SASAC's approval.

    Shao Admits Approving Non-Core Business Ventures
    --------------------------------------------- ---

    ¶16. (SBU) U/S Lavin said that Vice Chairman Shao's
    explanation of SASAC's role in managing its SOEs raises a
    question regarding Baosteel's role in the competition to
    purchase the Guangdong Development Bank.  Baosteel has
    teamed with French Bank, Societe Generale (SocGen), in that
    competition.  SocGen has little experience operating in
    China and small financial resources compared to its U.S.
    competitor, Citibank.  U/S Lavin stated that this fact,
    coupled with Baosteel's previous lack of financial sector
    experience, is leading some to suggest Baosteel's role is
    merely to lend its strong ties to the Chinese Government to
    a company too weak to win on its own merits.  Otherwise, it
    is unclear why Baosteel would launch a foray into a field
    that is clearly divorced from its core business interests.
    Vice Chairman Shao stated that SASAC approved Baosteel's
    request to participate in the Guangdong Development Bank
    competition.  Baosteel presented its case to SASAC as one of
    wanting to invest on-hand cash reserves rathe than that of
    evolving into a financial services or banking enterprise.
    Baosteel stated that margins in the steel sector are
    currently so tight that further investment in steelmaking
    would be unprofitable, but investing in the banking sector
    provided opportunity for significant returns.

    Shao Supports Siphoning SOE Dividend PaymentsTo Beijing
    --------------------------------------------- ----------

    ¶17. (SBU) U/S Lavin stated that this situation pointed to
    the need of SOEs to return some of their profits back to
    their shareholders, most notably the Chinese Government,
    rather than simply plow them back into the enterprise.   In
    the United States and other countries this is one of the
    ways shareholders earn a return on their investment in a
    company.  This type of system also would serve the purpose
    of leveling the playing field between China's SOEs and
    foreign companies trying to do business in the Chinese
    market.  Vice Chairman Shao said that he agreed with this
    assessment.  Dividend payment is one of the next steps in
    SOE reform, but SASAC first must develop a mechanism to
    facilitate these transactions.  To this end, SASAC is
    working to establish a state asset operation budget system.
    Vice Chairman Shao said that this system would create a
    means for SOEs to make dividend payments to the Chinese
    Government.  The new budget system also would enable SASAC
    to have more flexibility in managing the sell-off or spin-
    off of subsidiaries from SOEs.  U/S Lavin closed by
    encouraging SASAC to remain in close contact with U.S.
    Embassy Beijing as it develops this system.  For his part,
    Vice Chairman Shao closed by welcoming further interaction
    with U.S. Government and U.S. business officials because
    SASAC is solicitous of international comments on China's SOE
    reform process.

    ¶18. (U) Chinese participants:

    -SASAC Vice Chairman Shao Ning
    -Zhang Zhonglin, Deputy Director General, Bureau of Planning
    and Development, SASAC
    - Yan Xiaofeng, Director General, Bureau of Foreign Affairs,
    SASAC

    ¶19. (U) United States participants:

    -Franklin L. Lavin, Under Secretary of Commerce for
    International Trade
    -Cheryl McQueen, Director, Office of the Chinese Economic
    Area, Market Access & Compliance
    -Matthew Dauphinais, Special Assistant, Office of the Under
    Secretary of Commerce for International Trade

    SIPDIS
    -Barry I. Friedman, Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Embassy

    BEIJING 00015779  006 OF 006

    Beijing

    ¶20. (U) U/S Lavin cleared this cable prior to departing
    Beijing.

    Randt

`