JULY 12 G-8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CHINA SUPPORTS

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 BEIJING 00014635 002 OF 002 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