DECEMBER 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 024739 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM MNUC KN KS IN JA CH SUBJECT: DECEMBER 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-ADOPTION POLICY, CHINA-JAPAN HISTORY STUDY, JAPANESE CHEMICAL WEAPONS IN CHINA ¶1. Key Points at the December 21 MFA Press Conference were: --At the Six-Party Talks, bilateral meetings between the six parties will be held today. China is willing to draft a statement for this round of the Six-Party Talks if all parties can reach consensus. The statement would include denuclearization and economic issues. --Complete consensus is essential for success in this round of the Six-Party Talks, not just U.S.-China consensus. The talks are an opportunity to further U.S.-China relations. --China and Kazakhstan signed 11 agreements. --The MFA did not confirm reports of a review of Chinese adoption policy. --Any consensus reached at the upcoming China-Japan History Study meetings should be based on the &three political documents8 China,s position on the Yasukuni Shrine is unchanged. --China Urges Japan to abide by its commitments to destroy abandoned chemical weapons in China. Six-Party Talks Update -------------- ¶2. Replying to reporters, questions on the number and schedule of bilateral meetings, MFA Spokesman Qin Gang said China, the DPRK and the United States held bilateral meetings this morning and China would hold meetings with the other three parties this afternoon. Qin said he was in no position to confirm reports that the United States and the DPRK had held other bilateral meetings outside of Beijing or that Banco Delta Asia officials were in Beijing for meetings. As of today, 25 bilateral meetings have been held during this round of the Six-Party Talks, 13 of which related to China. ¶3. When questioned if China was drafting a statement for this round of the talks, Qin said China was willing to do so, but that it depended on all parties reaching a consensus. Replying to a question about China,s position on separating the denuclearization and sanctions issues, Qin emphasized that any statement would be multifaceted encompassing denuclearization, normalizing relations, peace and economic considerations. ¶4. A reporter asked for China,s views on Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill,s remarks that SIPDIS China and the United States must reach consensus for this round of the Six-Party Talks to succeed. Qin responded that success rests on the earnest and pragmatic joint efforts of all parties and that an overall consensus must be reached, rejecting the idea of relying on China to push a solution as not objective, realistic or fair. He agreed with A/S Hill,s statement that the Six-Party Talks are an opportunity for China and the United States to further bilateral relations, stating that both countries desire greater coordination and constructive cooperation on bilateral and major international issues. China, Kazakhstan Energy Agreements -------------- ¶5. In responding to calls for details regarding the agreements signed between China and Kazakhstan recently, Qin confirmed that 11 agreements were signed, but referred reporters to an extensive article in the People,s Daily for additional information. No Confirmation on China Adoption Policy Review -------------- -- ¶6. When asked to confirm reports in the New York Times that China is reviewing adoption guidelines for foreigners, Qin had no information, stating this matter does not fall within the MFA,s purview and referred reporters to the relevant authorities. China-Japan History Study BEIJING 00024739 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶7. Responding to a question about the upcoming China- Japan History Joint Study meetings, Qin said that any consensus reached should be based on the &three political documents8 (the China-Japan Joint Communique, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the China-Japan Joint Declaration). China believes the meetings will help both countries increase mutual understanding. When asked to comment on revisions being made at the Yasukuni Shrine relating to China, Qin reiterated that China,s position remains unchanged and opposes historical denial or distortion. China Urges Japan to Clear Chemical Weapons -------------- ¶8. In reply to a question on meetings between Japan and China to plan the destruction of abandoned chemical weapons in China, Qin emphasized that this "heinous historical crime" has contemporary issues and called on Japan to abide by its commitments in a 2005 Memorandum of Understanding to destroy the weapons as soon as possible. SEDNEY