DECEMBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SCO SYG ZHANG

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 024852 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KN KS IS JA CH SUBJECT: DECEMBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SCO SYG ZHANG DEGUANG, SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-JAPAN HISTORY STUDY ¶1. Key Points at the December 28 MFA Press Conference were: --Outgoing Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Secretary General (SYG) Zhang Deguang was pragmatic and helped launch the organization and raise its international profile. China expects similar pragmatism from Zhang's successor, Bolat Nurgaliyev. --China will implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 responsibly. The United States and the DPRK should resolve their differences on financial measures through dialogue and help facilitate the Six-Party Talks. --At the just concluded China-Japan Joint Historical Study meetings, China and Japan agreed upon procedures for future meetings and agreed to hold a second meeting in Tokyo in March, 2007. New SCO Secretary General -------------- ¶2. Asked to comment on outgoing SCO SYG Zhang's tenure, MFA Spokesman Qin Gang said that Zhang worked hard as the first SCO SYG to launch the organization. During Zhang's tenure, SCO developed efficient and orderly coordination among member states that increased political trust and cooperation. Zhang also helped the SCO have an international impact. SCO member states' leaders view Zhang's tenure as highly pragmatic. China looks forward to close cooperation with incoming SCO SYG Bolat Nurgaliyev, who will make new efforts to increase pragmatic coordination among SCO members, Qin said. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶3. Asked to comment on reports that ROK sources said the DPRK will "give up" its nuclear facility at Yongbyon if the United States lifts its economic measures against the DPRK, Qin said the United States and the DPRK discussed the financial measures during the recent Six-Party Talks and both sides expressed their positions. China hopes the United States and the DPRK can resolve their differences through dialogue and cooperation and facilitate the Six-Party Talks process. ¶4. Questioned what China has done to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718, Qin said that UNSCR 1718 is a UNSC action and the UNSC is entitled to take further decisions. As a responsible member of the Security Council, China will responsibly implement UNSCR 1718. The Security Council is currently researching implementation, Qin added. China-Japan History Study -------------- ¶5. Responding to questions about the recent China-Japan Joint Historical Study meetings, Qin said that the first meeting ended on December 27 and both sides agreed to act in accordance with the &three political documents8 (the China-Japan Joint Communique, the Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the China-Japan Joint Declaration) and the framework agreed upon in Hanoi in November, 2006. China and Japan agreed to face up to history for the benefit of future generations. China hopes this spirit will be carried out throughout the process. The two sides set up procedures for the next meetings and divided discussions into ancient history and modern history. A second meeting will be held in Tokyo in March, 2007. Scholars and governments must abide by the objective facts of history and take a responsible attitude toward history, Qin remarked. Responding to a general question about differing perceptions of World War II, Qin said verdicts rendered at the international trials at the conclusion of World War II were clearly stated and undeniable. Japan accepted surrender with no conditions. Japan's own laws state that Japan must abide by international treaties and international law, Qin said. China Israel Relations -------------- ¶6. China and Israel conduct exchanges at all levels in all fields, Qin said when queried whether Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert will visit China soon. Qin added he had no additional information about Olmert's possible visit. Premier's Travel Not Fixed -------------- ¶7. Asked about Premier Wen Jiabao's possible travel plans for the rescheduled Tenth ASEAN 1 Summit and/or Japan, Qin said China supports the Philippines and will communicate with the ASEAN parties and make a prompt announcement when BEIJING 00024852 002 OF 002 appropriate. China and Japan have agreed in principle to a visit by the Chinese leader at a time convenient to both sides and will consult through diplomatic channels. China will announce any such visit when it is fixed, Qin noted. SEDNEY