Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06BEIJING4479
2006-03-09 10:27:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
MARCH 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT,
how-toVZCZCXRO3264 OO RUEHCN DE RUEHBJ #4479/01 0681027 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 091027Z MAR 06 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9890 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE RUEHLM/AMEMBASSY COLOMBO IMMEDIATE 0791 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU IMMEDIATE 3706 RUEHSG/AMEMBASSY SANTIAGO IMMEDIATE 0204 RUEHUNV/USMISSION UNVIE VIENNA IMMEDIATE 0815 RUEHGV/USMISSION GENEVA IMMEDIATE 0880 RUEHBS/USEU BRUSSELS IMMEDIATE RHHMUNA/CDR USPACOM HONOLULU HI IMMEDIATE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 004479
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PARM CH JP IR KN
SUBJECT: MARCH 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT,
IRANIAN AND DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUES, SINO-JAPANESE FM COMMENTS
AND EAST CHINA SEA DISPUTE, UN REFORM, PUTIN VISIT
Summary
-------
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 004479
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PARM CH JP IR KN
SUBJECT: MARCH 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT,
IRANIAN AND DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUES, SINO-JAPANESE FM COMMENTS
AND EAST CHINA SEA DISPUTE, UN REFORM, PUTIN VISIT
Summary
--------------
1. Key points made at the March 9 MFA press briefing
are as follows:
- The State Department's 2005 Human Rights Report
turned a blind eye to the basic facts and made
irresponsible remarks regarding the status of human
rights in China.
- China hopes Iran will fully cooperate with the IAEA
and that the parties will intensify efforts to reach a
diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
- Beijing hopes all the participants will continue to
demonstrate flexibility and sincerity and work toward
an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
- FM Li's March 7 statement on the Yasukuni Shrine
represented China's official position and the views of
the Chinese people; Beijing condemns FM Aso's recent
remarks on Taiwan.
- An attempt by the Japanese Government to use the
East China Sea issue to divert attention away from the
Yasukuni Shrine dispute will not benefit the
settlement of the East China Sea matter.
- China welcomes UN Secretary General Annan's March 7
report on UN reform.
- Chen Shui-bian's decision to "force the NUC to cease
functioning and the NUG to cease to apply" was a
dangerous move opposed by people across the Taiwan
Strait and the international community.
- Russian President Putin will visit China March 21-
22.
- State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will visit Sri Lanka
and Nepal March 14-18.
- Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin will attend the
Chilean presidential inauguration ceremony on March
11. End Summary.
2005 Human Rights Report
--------------
2. During the regular March 9 MFA press briefing, MFA
Spokesperson Qin Gang claimed that the State
Department's 2005 Human Rights Report turned a blind
eye to the basic facts and made irresponsible remarks
regarding human rights in China. China expresses
strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the
report. Qin asserted that the PRC Constitution
explicitly stipulates the requirement to safeguard
human rights. All levels of government have adhered
to the principle of "putting the people first" and
enhancing democracy and law, he maintained, adding
that China has made much progress, which has been
recognized by the international community. Responding
to a question on the report's discussion of Hong Kong,
Qin argued that the Chinese Government has followed
the principles of "one country, two systems," the
governance of Hong Kong by the Hong Kong people and
strict adherence to the Basic Law. Beijing has
supported the gradual development of Hong Kong
democracy in accordance with Hong Kong's actual
situation. China strongly opposes irresponsible
remarks by any foreign government, Qin stressed,
calling on the U.S. Government to immediately cease
its interference in China's internal affairs.
Iranian Nuclear Issue
--------------
3. Asked by the AP correspondent about UN discussion
of Iran's nuclear program, Qin remarked that there is
still potential to resolve the issue through
negotiation and called on the parties to step up their
diplomatic efforts. China hopes Iran will fully
BEIJING 00004479 002 OF 003
cooperate with the IAEA and take confidence-building
measures to create conditions for a peaceful
resolution. All parties should exercise calm,
continue negotiations and refrain from taking actions
that could aggravate the situation, Qin stated. Asked
about PRC backing for UN sanctions on Iran, he called
for an intensification of diplomatic efforts and noted
U.S. and EU statements in support of a diplomatic
resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. China is
prepared to work with the other parties toward that
goal.
Six-Party Talks and DPRK Missile Launching
--------------
4. Asked to comment on the DPRK's recent launching of
missiles and whether it will affect the Six-Party
Talks, Qin simply noted reports of the incident but
offered no further comment. In the joint statement
issued following the last round of Talks, he recalled,
all the parties made solemn commitments to continue
negotiations aimed at a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula
and peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Given that
the Six Parties' positions remain unchanged, China
hopes they will continue to demonstrate flexibility
and sincerity and work toward an early resumption of
the Six-Party Talks, Qin remarked. Beijing has
remained in contact with the participating countries
and has been making efforts to promote the Talks
process. He confirmed that the new ROK delegate to
the Six Party Talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Chun
Young Woo, arrived in Beijing March 9 and will meet
with Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei on March 10.
Chinese and Japanese FMs Exchange Strong Statements
-------------- --------------
5. Asked by the Kyodo correspondent about the
Japanese Government's response to Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing's March 7 strong criticism of Prime Minister
Koizumi for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, Qin
maintained that FM Li was expressing China's official
position and not his personal opinion. This is also
the view of the Chinese people, Qin remarked. Japan
should study FM Li's comments in a comprehensive
manner and fully honor its commitment to demonstrate
remorse over history. Questioned by the Fuji TV
correspondent about Japanese FM Aso's remarks on
Taiwan reportedly made earlier in the day, Qin
expressed Beijing's shock and strong condemnation over
the remarks. They contradict the Sino-Japanese joint
declaration and interfere in China's domestic affairs.
Qin called on Tokyo to honor its commitments on
Taiwan.
Sino-Japanese East China Sea Dispute
--------------
6. Questioned about China's reported proposal to
Japan on jointly exploring waters around the Diaoyu
(Senkaku) Islands but not the Chunxiao gas field, Qin
acknowledged the bilateral dispute over the Diaoyu
Islands and asserted that joint energy exploration in
that area serves both countries' interests. During
the third round of Sino-Japanese consultations on the
East China Sea, Japan made a proposal based on the
precondition of a median line, which China will never
accept, he stressed. Qin argued that China's
exploration of the Chunxiao gas field is being
conducted in an area not disputed by Japan. Beijing's
proposal is reasonable, constructive and conducive to
shelving differences and engaging in joint exploration
activities, and China hopes Japan will study it
carefully. Qin asserted that an attempt by the
Japanese Government to use the East China Sea issue to
divert attention away from the Yasukuni Shrine dispute
will not benefit the settlement of the East China Sea
matter or help improve bilateral ties.
UN Reform
--------------
7. China welcomes UN Secretary General Annan's March
BEIJING 00004479 003 OF 003
7 report on UN reform, Qin stated. China wishes to
enhance the transparency and efficiency of the UN
Secretariat and end corruption within the body.
SIPDIS
Support for One-China
--------------
8. Asked about international support for China on the
Taiwan issue, Qin asserted that Chen Shui-bian's
decision to "force the National Unification Council to
cease functioning and the National Unification
Guidelines to cease o apply" was a dangerous move
opposed by peope across the Taiwan Strait and the
international community. The international community
should remain alert of his Taiwan independence moves,
Qin stressed.
President Putin's Visit
--------------
9. Qin announced that Russian President Putin will
visit China March 21-22. He will met with President
Hu Jintao, NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo
and Premier Wen Jiabao and attend the opening ceremony
of the Year of Russia in China and the Russia-China
Economic Forum on Industry and Commerce. The two
countries will sign a series of agreements. In
response to a Reuters reporter's inquiry, Qin stated
that energy is an important component of bilateral
cooperation that serves the interests of both
countries.
Upcoming Trips
--------------
10. Qin noted that State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will
visit Sri Lanka and Nepal March 14-18. Minister of
Agriculture Du Qinglin will attend the Chilean
presidential inauguration ceremony on March 11. Qin
commented that China and Chile are expanding
cooperation in various fields. He noted that during
the APEC Summit President Hu agreed to the
establishment of a Free Trade Zone with Chile, adding
that the development of China-Chile relations will
also strengthen cooperation with the Latin America
region.
RANDT
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PHUM PARM CH JP IR KN
SUBJECT: MARCH 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT,
IRANIAN AND DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUES, SINO-JAPANESE FM COMMENTS
AND EAST CHINA SEA DISPUTE, UN REFORM, PUTIN VISIT
Summary
--------------
1. Key points made at the March 9 MFA press briefing
are as follows:
- The State Department's 2005 Human Rights Report
turned a blind eye to the basic facts and made
irresponsible remarks regarding the status of human
rights in China.
- China hopes Iran will fully cooperate with the IAEA
and that the parties will intensify efforts to reach a
diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue.
- Beijing hopes all the participants will continue to
demonstrate flexibility and sincerity and work toward
an early resumption of the Six-Party Talks.
- FM Li's March 7 statement on the Yasukuni Shrine
represented China's official position and the views of
the Chinese people; Beijing condemns FM Aso's recent
remarks on Taiwan.
- An attempt by the Japanese Government to use the
East China Sea issue to divert attention away from the
Yasukuni Shrine dispute will not benefit the
settlement of the East China Sea matter.
- China welcomes UN Secretary General Annan's March 7
report on UN reform.
- Chen Shui-bian's decision to "force the NUC to cease
functioning and the NUG to cease to apply" was a
dangerous move opposed by people across the Taiwan
Strait and the international community.
- Russian President Putin will visit China March 21-
22.
- State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will visit Sri Lanka
and Nepal March 14-18.
- Minister of Agriculture Du Qinglin will attend the
Chilean presidential inauguration ceremony on March
11. End Summary.
2005 Human Rights Report
--------------
2. During the regular March 9 MFA press briefing, MFA
Spokesperson Qin Gang claimed that the State
Department's 2005 Human Rights Report turned a blind
eye to the basic facts and made irresponsible remarks
regarding human rights in China. China expresses
strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to the
report. Qin asserted that the PRC Constitution
explicitly stipulates the requirement to safeguard
human rights. All levels of government have adhered
to the principle of "putting the people first" and
enhancing democracy and law, he maintained, adding
that China has made much progress, which has been
recognized by the international community. Responding
to a question on the report's discussion of Hong Kong,
Qin argued that the Chinese Government has followed
the principles of "one country, two systems," the
governance of Hong Kong by the Hong Kong people and
strict adherence to the Basic Law. Beijing has
supported the gradual development of Hong Kong
democracy in accordance with Hong Kong's actual
situation. China strongly opposes irresponsible
remarks by any foreign government, Qin stressed,
calling on the U.S. Government to immediately cease
its interference in China's internal affairs.
Iranian Nuclear Issue
--------------
3. Asked by the AP correspondent about UN discussion
of Iran's nuclear program, Qin remarked that there is
still potential to resolve the issue through
negotiation and called on the parties to step up their
diplomatic efforts. China hopes Iran will fully
BEIJING 00004479 002 OF 003
cooperate with the IAEA and take confidence-building
measures to create conditions for a peaceful
resolution. All parties should exercise calm,
continue negotiations and refrain from taking actions
that could aggravate the situation, Qin stated. Asked
about PRC backing for UN sanctions on Iran, he called
for an intensification of diplomatic efforts and noted
U.S. and EU statements in support of a diplomatic
resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue. China is
prepared to work with the other parties toward that
goal.
Six-Party Talks and DPRK Missile Launching
--------------
4. Asked to comment on the DPRK's recent launching of
missiles and whether it will affect the Six-Party
Talks, Qin simply noted reports of the incident but
offered no further comment. In the joint statement
issued following the last round of Talks, he recalled,
all the parties made solemn commitments to continue
negotiations aimed at a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula
and peace and stability in Northeast Asia. Given that
the Six Parties' positions remain unchanged, China
hopes they will continue to demonstrate flexibility
and sincerity and work toward an early resumption of
the Six-Party Talks, Qin remarked. Beijing has
remained in contact with the participating countries
and has been making efforts to promote the Talks
process. He confirmed that the new ROK delegate to
the Six Party Talks, Deputy Foreign Minister Chun
Young Woo, arrived in Beijing March 9 and will meet
with Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei on March 10.
Chinese and Japanese FMs Exchange Strong Statements
-------------- --------------
5. Asked by the Kyodo correspondent about the
Japanese Government's response to Foreign Minister Li
Zhaoxing's March 7 strong criticism of Prime Minister
Koizumi for visiting the Yasukuni Shrine, Qin
maintained that FM Li was expressing China's official
position and not his personal opinion. This is also
the view of the Chinese people, Qin remarked. Japan
should study FM Li's comments in a comprehensive
manner and fully honor its commitment to demonstrate
remorse over history. Questioned by the Fuji TV
correspondent about Japanese FM Aso's remarks on
Taiwan reportedly made earlier in the day, Qin
expressed Beijing's shock and strong condemnation over
the remarks. They contradict the Sino-Japanese joint
declaration and interfere in China's domestic affairs.
Qin called on Tokyo to honor its commitments on
Taiwan.
Sino-Japanese East China Sea Dispute
--------------
6. Questioned about China's reported proposal to
Japan on jointly exploring waters around the Diaoyu
(Senkaku) Islands but not the Chunxiao gas field, Qin
acknowledged the bilateral dispute over the Diaoyu
Islands and asserted that joint energy exploration in
that area serves both countries' interests. During
the third round of Sino-Japanese consultations on the
East China Sea, Japan made a proposal based on the
precondition of a median line, which China will never
accept, he stressed. Qin argued that China's
exploration of the Chunxiao gas field is being
conducted in an area not disputed by Japan. Beijing's
proposal is reasonable, constructive and conducive to
shelving differences and engaging in joint exploration
activities, and China hopes Japan will study it
carefully. Qin asserted that an attempt by the
Japanese Government to use the East China Sea issue to
divert attention away from the Yasukuni Shrine dispute
will not benefit the settlement of the East China Sea
matter or help improve bilateral ties.
UN Reform
--------------
7. China welcomes UN Secretary General Annan's March
BEIJING 00004479 003 OF 003
7 report on UN reform, Qin stated. China wishes to
enhance the transparency and efficiency of the UN
Secretariat and end corruption within the body.
SIPDIS
Support for One-China
--------------
8. Asked about international support for China on the
Taiwan issue, Qin asserted that Chen Shui-bian's
decision to "force the National Unification Council to
cease functioning and the National Unification
Guidelines to cease o apply" was a dangerous move
opposed by peope across the Taiwan Strait and the
international community. The international community
should remain alert of his Taiwan independence moves,
Qin stressed.
President Putin's Visit
--------------
9. Qin announced that Russian President Putin will
visit China March 21-22. He will met with President
Hu Jintao, NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo
and Premier Wen Jiabao and attend the opening ceremony
of the Year of Russia in China and the Russia-China
Economic Forum on Industry and Commerce. The two
countries will sign a series of agreements. In
response to a Reuters reporter's inquiry, Qin stated
that energy is an important component of bilateral
cooperation that serves the interests of both
countries.
Upcoming Trips
--------------
10. Qin noted that State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan will
visit Sri Lanka and Nepal March 14-18. Minister of
Agriculture Du Qinglin will attend the Chilean
presidential inauguration ceremony on March 11. Qin
commented that China and Chile are expanding
cooperation in various fields. He noted that during
the APEC Summit President Hu agreed to the
establishment of a Free Trade Zone with Chile, adding
that the development of China-Chile relations will
also strengthen cooperation with the Latin America
region.
RANDT