CHINA'S PREFERENCE FOR A POLITICAL CONFERENCE

For China, the prospect of an international conference convened by the United Nations Secretary-General was a godsend. Vietnam’s responsibility in the crisis could be established in a meeting of the United Nations General Assembly. Yet a conference specifically dedicated to the crisis would make it even more special because it could prove that Vietnam was so dangerous for the region that it required exceptional measures.

Visit of the Acting Permanent Representative of China to the High Commissioner

27 June 1979, at 15.30

  1. The Acting Permanent Representative, Mr. Yu Su-chih, came to give the High Commissioner the replies to the questionnaire handed over to the Chinese Permanent Mission on 20 June 1979. 
  2. The conference should discuss the political aspects of the refugee question. If no political pressure was put on Viet Nam, it would be difficult to stop their policy of exporting refugees. In case the conference should be held only within the framework of UNHCR and with the sole purpose of discussing the agreement between Viet Nam and UNHCR, this would not be helpful and China would not participate. If the conference, however, should be held under the auspices of the Secretary-General and deal first and foremost with the political aspects, then China would be ready to participate. 
  3. For the venue of the conference China gives its preference to Bangkok. 
  4. Democratic Kampuchea should be invited to the conference. The Regime of Heng Samrin is not entitled to participate.
  5. With respect to the timing, the conference should be convened as soon as possible, at a time to be agreed upon between the parties concerned. 
  6. If the conference is convened to deal with the political aspects and adopt relevant resolutions, China would not object to UNHCR making concrete arrangements for their implementation.

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UNHCR/F11/2/39_391_46_GEN_b. Cable from Poul Hartling to United Nations Secretary General, 27 June 1979, Annex II, Memorandum on the Visit of the Acting Permanent Representative of China, 27 June 1979, at 15.30.

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