: A/S HILL VISIT, DPRK NUCLEAR TEST AND KIM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 018905 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC CH KN SUBJECT: : A/S HILL VISIT, DPRK NUCLEAR TEST AND KIM JONG-IL RUMORS, LEBANON, IRAN, CHINESE AT GITMO, SINO-ZAMBIA RELATIONS, WHO CANDIDATE, GM RICE AND NAM SUMMIT ¶1. Key points made at the September 7 MFA press briefing are as follows: -- A/S Hill's meetings with VFM Wu Dawei and AFM Cui Tiankai focused on how to break the impasse and resume the Six-Party Talks process. -- All parties should avoid actions that would escalate tensions over a possible DPRK nuclear test. -- China continues to oppose economic sanctions on the DPRK. China will provide an unspecified amount of flood aid to North Korea. -- Beijing will inform the public "at the appropriate time" of any visit by Kim Jong-Il and the spokesman refused to confirm or deny a current visit. -- China will maintain its engineering corps in Lebanon and is studying whether to increase its troop commitment to UNIFIL. - China advocates peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue. -- China "requires" the United States to repatriate Chinese nationals detained at GITMO and notes international concern over secret detention centers. -- China will not cut diplomatic ties nor suspend investment should Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata win the presidency. -- Beijing supports the nomination of Margaret Chan as Director General of WHO. -- Beijing notes EU concerns over genetically modified rice and produces no such grain for commercial consumption. -- VM for Latin America Yang Jiechi will attend the 14th Summit of the Non-Alignment Movement in Havana, Cuba, September 15-16. A/S Hill Visit, Six Party Talks -------------- ¶2. A/S Hill's meetings with VFM Wu Dawei and AFM Cui Tiankai focused on how to break the impasse and resume the Six-Party Talks, MFA Spokesperson Qin Gang said at the September 7 regular press briefing. Responding to repeated questioning on the purpose of A/S Hill's September 5-6 visit to Beijing, Qin reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to the Six-Party Talks process as the most pragmatic and effective mechanism to achieve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. ¶3. Questioned about UN Resolution 1695, Qin stated that 1695 supports both the "peaceful" solution to the North Korean issue. China continues to oppose economic sanctions on the DPRK. Qin said Beijing will provide "a certain amount" of assistance to the North Korean flood zone, but did not specify the amount. DPRK Nuclear Test, Kim Jong-Il Visit Rumors -------------- ¶4. When asked about reports the DPRK will soon conduct a nuclear test, Qin said Beijing reaffirms its position that all parties should remain calm, exercise restraint, show flexibility and avoid taking actions that would escalate the dispute. ¶5. Questioned several times whether Kim Jong Il, or other high-level DPRK officials were currently in China, Qin remained evasive. Beijing and Pyongyang share a traditional friendship and have many exchanges at all levels, Qin said. Beijing has taken note of the reports and will inform the public "at the appropriate time" of any such visits, he stated. Lebanon Resolution -------------- ¶6. Despite the adoption of UNSC resolution 1701, the ceasefire in Lebanon is still fragile, Qin said. The urgent task is to strengthen and quickly deploy the UN peace keeping mission, he stated. China will maintain its engineering corps and is studying whether to increase its troop commitments to the region, he added. BEIJING 00018905 002 OF 002 Iranian Nuclear Issue -------------- ¶7. China advocates peaceful resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue through negotiation and dialogue, Qin answered when asked about Russia's possible agreement with the U.S. Statement on Iran. CIA Jails and GITMO Detainees -------------- ¶8. China has taken note of the international concern over the CIA's reported use of secret detention facilities, Qin said. China firmly opposes international terrorism but believes that the UN Charter and international law should be followed, he said. China and the United States enjoy good anti-terrorism cooperation and communication, he added. Pressed for further details on whether Chinese nationals are detained in CIA facilities, Qin said that China "requires" the United States to repatriate any Chinese detained at GITMO. Sino-Zambian Relations -------------- ¶9. Qin denied that China would cut diplomatic ties with Zambia should Zambian opposition leader Michael Sata win the presidency. Qin also denied that Chinese firms will suspend investment in the country. China and Zambia enjoy friendly relations and the Zambian government adheres to the one-China policy, Qin stated, when asked about Sata's comments that Taiwan was a "sovereign state." Asked about working conditions in Chinese-run factories in Zambia, Qin stated that Chinese businesses operated according to law and had a positive and conducive role in the livelihoods of many Zambians. WHO nomination -------------- ¶10. Qin affirmed Beijing's support for the nomination of Margaret Chan as Director General of the World Health Organization, responding that her considerable experience, qualifications and achievements make her an excellent candidate for the position. Genetically Modified Rice -------------- ¶11. China has taken note of a report suggesting the EU might ban genetically modified Chinese rice, Qin said. All such agricultural experiments are conducted according to the law, he said. To date, no genetically modified rice is being produced for commercial consumption, he added. Visits -------------- ¶12. VM in charge of Latin America Yang Jiechi will attend the 14th Summit of the Non-Alignment Movement in Havana, Cuba September 15-16. RANDT