NOVEMBER 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. MIDTERM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 023715 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL TBIO KN RS CH JA SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. MIDTERM ELECTIONS, DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUE, EAST CHINA SEA, PANAMA, NICARAGUA, MARGARET CHAN AT WHO, HU AT APEC ¶1. Key Points made at the November 9, 2006 Press Briefing were: -- China has no comment on the resignation of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld or the midterm elections and stands ready SIPDIS to work with the United States and both its political parties. -- VFM Wu Dawei discussed the DPRK with Russian DFM Alexeyev. China seeks speedy resumption of the Six-Party Talks and hopes the United States' and Macao's investigations into North Korean financial issues will be resolved soon. The Spokesman knew nothing about FM Li meeting with DPRK officials. -- Japan's concern about CNOOC exploration in the East China Sea is unnecessary. -- China looks to strengthen ties with new UNSC member PANAMA and Nicaragua's newly elected President Daniel Ortega, even though neither country recognizes the PRC. -- China congratulates Margaret Chan on her selection as to lead the World Health Organization (WHO). China believes WHO membership for Taiwan is not appropriate, but that decision is made by the World Health Assembly, not by Ms. Chan. -- President Hu will have bilateral meetings with the United States, Japan and Russia on the margins of the APEC Leaders Meeting. -- The Year of Russia in China produced many achievements and strengthened strategic partnership between the two countries. U.S. Midterm Elections, Rumsfeld resignation -------------- ¶2. China has no comment on the internal affairs of the United States, MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said in response to questions about the resignation of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld and the U.S. midterm elections. China looks forward to increasing military cooperation and understanding through dialogue and exchange with the United States, she said. China feels the development of peaceful and stable relations between the United States and China is the consensus of both the Republican and Democratic parties. Asked if China was concerned about what a reporter called the "anti-China sentiment" of Representative Nancy Pelosi, soon to be Speaker of the House, Jiang said China is ready to work with the United States and push for a constructive relationship. DPRK; Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶3. VFM Wu Dawei met Russian DFM Alexeyev today and called for implementation of the September 2005 Joint Declaration and speedy resumption of Six-Party Talks to achieve a denuclearized, peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula, said Jiang. On the topic of financial sanctions against North Korea, Jiang said China hopes the current investigation by Macao and the United States will be resolved at an early date. ¶4. Asked by Global News Radio to confirm South Korean news reports that FM Li is meeting this week with North Korean officials, Jiang said she had not heard of such a meeting. Japan,s Concerns On East China Sea Unnecessary -------------- - ¶5. Alleged oil drilling by China,s CNOOC company on the continental shelf in the waters near the Chinese coast is a normal development activity, said Jiang responding to a question from a Hong Kong reporter. Jiang said Japan,s recent expression of concern and anxiety over this development is unnecessary. China To Strengthen Ties with Nicaragua, PANAMA -------------- -- ¶6. China noted the election of Daniel Ortega as President of Nicaragua and is willing to establish state-to-state relations with the Central American nation, said Jiang. China also congratulates PANAMA on joining the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member and looks forward to strengthening relations between the two countries while cooperating on a variety of international issues. Neither Nicaragua nor PANAMA recognizes the People,s Republic of BEIJING 00023715 002 OF 002 China. Margaret Chan and Taiwan WHO Membership -------------- ¶7. China congratulates Margaret Chan on her selection as the new World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary-General. Taiwan is not a sovereign nation and thus not eligible for WHO membership, said Jiang when asked if Chan would be more receptive to Taiwan's membership bids. The acceptance of new members into the WHO is the common decision made by all members of the World Health Assembly, not the personal decision of the Secretary General. Chan will independently conduct work in accordance with the rules and regulations of the WHO and care for the health and well-being of all people, Jiang said. ¶8. A reporter stated that FM Li told visiting U.S. Undersecretary Nicholas Burns that the United States supported Chan's candidacy and asked how the U.S. expressed this support. Jiang responded that China congratulates Chan and appreciates the support and trust in Chan shown by all involved country. APEC Summit Meetings -------------- ¶9. In response to a question, Jiang said President Hu will have bilateral meetings with leaders of the United States, Japan and Russia on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting, November 18-19. Year of Russia Concludes -------------- ¶10. Asked by a CCTV journalist about the achievements of the Year of Russia in China and preparations for the Year of China in Russia, Jiang said the Year of Russia in China was a great success, strengthening both countries, strategic cooperative partnership. Over 200 events were held in an array of fields, including politics, economics, culture, education, IT and military. Goals for the Year of China in Russia include raising mutual understanding, cooperation and strategic partnership. Randt