Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIJING14635
2006-07-12 10:22:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

JULY 12 G-8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CHINA SUPPORTS

Tags:  PREL PHUM CH KN IS 
pdf how-to read a cable
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OO RUEHCN RUEHGH
DE RUEHBJ #4635/01 1931022
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 121022Z JUL 06
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 1549
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 014635 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM CH KN IS
SUBJECT: JULY 12 G-8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CHINA SUPPORTS
INCREASED DIALOGUE BUT NOT READY TO DISCUSS MEMBERSHIP;
JOINT EFFORT REQUIRED FOR SIX-PARTY PROGRESS

SUMMARY
-------

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 014635

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM CH KN IS
SUBJECT: JULY 12 G-8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CHINA SUPPORTS
INCREASED DIALOGUE BUT NOT READY TO DISCUSS MEMBERSHIP;
JOINT EFFORT REQUIRED FOR SIX-PARTY PROGRESS

SUMMARY
--------------


1. President Hu Jintao will lead China's delegation
to the G-8 Outreach Meeting July 16-17 in St.
Petersburg, according to Assistant Foreign Minister
Cui Tiankai. The meeting will be a dialogue between
the G-8 and leaders from six developing countries:
China, India, Brazil, South Africa, Mexico and African
Union (AU) rotating president the Republic of Congo.
Key topics include energy security, prevention of
infectious diseases, education and African
development, as well as general discussions about
trade, globalization, counter-terrorism and non-
proliferation. China supports increased dialogue and
coordination with the G-8, but is not ready to discuss
membership in the group. No bilateral meeting between
President Hu and PM Koizumi is anticipated. China
stated that the DPRK missile launch and resumption of
Six-Party Talks may be discussed at the Outreach
Meeting, although neither subject is on the agenda.
Without efforts from all parties, China is not
optimistic the Six-Party Talks will quickly resume.
END SUMMARY.

China Values Dialogue with the G-8
--------------


2. Assistant Foreign Minister Cui Tiankai briefed the
press on July 12 about President Hu Jintao's
participation in the upcoming G-8 Outreach Meeting,
stating that China views positively greater global
coordination and dialogue between the G-8 and
developing countries. China attaches importance to
the role of the G-8 and places high value on this
dialogue. President Hu attended two prior Outreach
Meetings and China is increasing cooperation with the
G-8 and other such mechanisms that foster dialogue on
global issues.


3. In addition to developing countries, Cui reported
Russian President Putin invited current EU President
Finland, current Commonwealth of Independent States
President Kazakhstan, the heads of the United Nations,
UNESCO, the World Health Organization, the
International Energy Agency and the International
Atomic Energy Agency to participate in G-8 meetings.

The Agenda
--------------


4. On July 16, Hu will attend a meeting with the
leaders of the other five invited developing countries

to discuss south-south and international development
cooperation and will provide information about China's
cooperation with Africa. In addition, Hu will attend
a tri-lateral meeting with the leaders of India and
Russia to discuss topics of mutual interest. Finally,
he will participate in various bi-lateral meetings,
the details of which have not yet been determined.
Responding to a question, Cui stated that no bi-
lateral meeting with Japan has been arranged.


5. On July 17, Hu will attend the plenary session of
the Outreach Meeting, followed by a more informal
lunch session. At these meetings, Hu will set out
China's assessments and positions on the various
agenda items. In response to a question, Cui stated
that the DPRK missile launch and resumption of Six-
Party Talks could possibly be discussed during the
more informal lunch session, and/or the bi-lateral and
tri-lateral meetings as no agenda for these meetings
has been established.

China Not Ready For Membership
--------------


6. When asked if China would become a member of the
G-8, Cui replied that the relationship is evolving.
Cui stated that China attaches importance to the G-8
and supports strengthening dialogue between the G-8
and developing countries. China will continue to
exchange views and cooperate with the G-8 and is
positive about future prospects. China will proceed
at a pace comfortable to both China and the G-8.


7. Cui stated that China is still a developing
country and its economic role in global affairs is not
as great as some say. China plays a constructive role
in the international arena to promote peace and
stability and feels positive about deepening

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cooperation with the G-8, just as it cooperates
through other mechanisms. For example, China hosted a
China-Arab summit in Beijing and will host similar
China-Africa meetings. China's cooperation with ASEAN
is long-standing. China also cooperates with the
Group of 77. China will continue to use different
formulas and different methods to participate in
dialogue and partnership on global issues.

DPRK: Joint Efforts Required
--------------


8. Cui responded to repeated questions about the
impact of the DPRK missile launch on the G-8 Outreach
Meeting by reiterating that China expresses grave
concern over the situation and remains in close
consultation with all relevant parties. China hopes
all parties will remain calm, exercise restraint,
proceed toward the common goal of peace and stability
in Northeast Asia and not take any actions that will
cause further tension. He stated the issue may be
discussed on the side-lines of the Outreach Meeting
and at the more informal sessions, but it is not on
the agenda.


9. Cui further stated that while China seeks early
resumption of the Six-Party Talks, this is not
contingent on the efforts of only the Chinese.
Without effort from all parties, China is not
optimistic that early resumption will occur, Cui said.


10. Regarding non-proliferation, Cui said China seeks
to strengthen cooperation with all countries. This
cooperation is evolving, new problems emerge and all
countries must be aware of new obstacles. Cui noted,
for example, the Joint Statement signed last September
by all parties to the Six-Party Talks took cooperation
and effort by all.

Energy Policy
--------------


11. According to Cui, discussions about energy
cooperation and energy security are the first priority
of the Outreach Meeting and will be addressed. The
focus will be on regional cooperation. China's bi-
lateral relationship with Russia regarding energy
cooperation is proceeding smoothly. China has a
longstanding strategic partnership with Russia on a
variety of issues. China has recently established a
strategic partnership with India.
RANDT