DECEMBER 7 MFA BRIEFING: IRAN NUCLEAR, SIX- PARTY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 024377 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ENRG ECON KN IR CH SUBJECT: DECEMBER 7 MFA BRIEFING: IRAN NUCLEAR, SIX- PARTY TALKS, DPRK REFUGEES, DALAI LAMA ON TIBET, STRATEGIC ECONOMIC DIALOGUE, ENERGY MINISTERIAL AND BRIBERY IN MACAU BEIJING 00024377 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. Key Points at the December 7 MFA Press Conference were: -- China believes diplomacy on the Iran nuclear issue needs more time and space. -- The DPRK nuclear issue will likely be discussed during upcoming ASEAN meetings. -- It is "inappropriate" for UNHCR to call DPRK refugees in China "refugee surplus." These people enter China illegally, violate Chinese laws and attack schools and embassies. -- China criticizes the Dalai Lama's suggestion that there will be instability in Tibet if China does not compromise on the Tibet issue before he dies. -- China urges positive efforts on export controls in connection with the Senior Economic Dialogue. -- The NDRC will host a Five-Nation Energy Ministerial December 16. -- China has no opinion on the Iraq Study Group report. -- The Spokesperson had no information on a bribery scandal in Macao, aid to the post-coup government in Fiji or a possible visit by the head of Japan's House of Representatives. Give Iran Diplomacy More Time And Space -------------- ¶2. MFA Spokesperson Qin Gang said in the regular December 7 press briefing that China believes diplomacy on the Iran nuclear issue should be given more time and space. Asked if China is ready for a UN Security Council vote on Iran's nuclear program, Qin said actions taken by the Security Council should be conducive to the goal of a peaceful settlement reached through dialogue and consultation. DPRK Nuclear Issue Will Be Discussed at ASEAN meetings -------------- -------------- ¶3. China supports Six-Party Talks and plays an important role in the process, Qin said in deflecting a reporter's query about whether the DPRK would end its nuclear program if United States' nuclear weapons were removed from South Korea and nearby countries. The parties are now studying how to proceed after the heads of delegations from the United States and DPRK voiced their positions at recent meetings in Beijing. Responding to a question about upcoming ASEAN-related meetings in the Philippines, Qin said it would be natural for the DPRK nuclear issue to be discussed as �A;China, the ROK and Japan will attend the meetings. ¶4. Asked to respond to views in Japan and Australia that the East Asian Summit (EAS) needs to have more substance than just a simple exchange of ideas, Qin said East Asian cooperation is a long-term project requiring time and experience. The EAS is a new platform for open and tolerant regional cooperation, and China understands that countries have different views on the topics and purpose of the Summit. UNHCR Stance on North Korean Refugees "Inappropriate" -------------- -------------- ¶5. Qin denounced as "inappropriate" remarks by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) labeling North Koran refugees in China as "refugee surplus" who will likely be jailed, tortured or killed if returned to the DPRK. Although China deals with these North Koreans in accordance with international law and humanitarian principles, China hopes others can take an objective view toward these people, who enter China illegally, violate Chinese laws and attack schools and embassies, said Qin. Dalai Lama Should Not Seek to "Split" China -------------- ¶6. A reporter asked for China's comment about a report that the Dalai Lama said there would be major instability in Tibet if China does not reach a compromise on the Tibet issue before he dies. Qin BEIJING 00024377 002.2 OF 002 said if the Dalai Lama cares about Tibet he and others should cease activities that seek to split the motherland. Tibet has been a part of China since ancient times and is recognized by no countries in the world as independent from China. The people of Tibet enjoy stability, development and harmony and look forward to a better tomorrow, Qin said. SED and Export Control Policy -------------- ¶7. China has consistently called for the United States to lift restrictions harmful to trade with China, Qin said when asked if high technology export control policy would be discussed at the upcoming Strategic Economic Dialogue. Positive efforts on the issue not only serve the interests of the United States but also help bring normal, balanced trade relations between the two countries. The trade relationship between China and the United States should be based on respect and mutual benefit, so as to realize a win-win result, Qin said. Energy Ministerial; Australian Uranium Sales -------------- ¶8. Energy ministers from China, Japan, the ROK, India and the United States will meet in China December 16 at the invitation of the National Development and Reform Commission. The talks aim to reduce energy costs, ensure global energy security, raise efficiency and find more substitute sources of energy. They seek to promote cooperation and dialogue among these major energy consumers. ¶9. Peaceful nuclear cooperation between China and Australia is mutually beneficial, said Qin when asked to comment on the Australian uranium sales to China. As signatories to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty and members of the IAEA, both countries will specifically implement and earnestly fulfill their obligations. China Has No Opinion On Iraq Study Group Report -------------- --- ¶10. Whether the report of the Iraqi Study Group is welcomed or not is a decision for President Bush, not China, Qin said in response to questions about the Iraq Study Group Report. China hopes the Iraq issue is settled according to UN resolutions and seeks a peaceful Iraq governed by the Iraqi people. Number Three Official in Macau Sacked for Bribery -------------- -------------- ¶11. Qin said he had no information about the arrest this morning of the Macau Secretary of State for Transport and Public Works Ao Man Long on charges of bribery. Macau has a high degree of autonomy under the "One Country, Two Systems" arrangement and the chief executive has authority to take necessary steps. Fiji Coup, Possible Japanese Visit -------------- ¶12. Qin deflected questions about whether the Speaker of the Japanese House of Representatives will meet with President Hu and about whether Fiji would turn to China or Taiwan for aid if the United States or Australia withdraw aid following the recent military coup. Randt