APRIL 25 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HU VISIT, NEPAL,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 007837 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PARM PTER KNNP CH SUBJECT: APRIL 25 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: HU VISIT, NEPAL, TERROR ATTACK IN EGYPT, IRAN, ROK-JAPAN ROCKS DISPUTE, SOLOMON ISLANDS, CHAD, SILK ALLEY BEIJING 00007837 001.2 OF 003 Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points made at the regular April 25 MFA press briefing are as follows: - The United States apologized for the Falungong incident but has to answer for the lapse in security. Washington should take firmer steps to stop FLG activities. - The MFA spokesman said he had no specifics on the human rights cases discussed by Presidents Bush and Hu but that China would handle them according to the law, while thanking the President for reiterating Washington's one-China policy and "opposition" to Taiwan independence. - China will continue working with the United States to resolve the DPRK nuclear issue through negotiations. - China respects Nepal's right to choose its own leaders and determine its political future and has encouraged Chinese citizens to leave for now. - China opposes terrorism and sends condolences to Egypt. - The international community should not abandon diplomatic means in response to Iran's threat to cease cooperation with the IAEA if sanctions are imposed. - Japan and the ROK should resolve their standoff over disputed islands through negotiations. - Chinese efforts in assisting victims of anti-Chinese riots in the Solomon Islands have been successful. - The SCO defense ministers meeting will discuss regional security on April 26. - The MFA spokesperson rejects allegations of support for Chad rebels as highly irresponsible. - China will invite countries which have diplomatic relations with Taiwan to the 2010 World Exhibition in Shanghai - The Chinese government will protect luxury name brands in China in the wake of the Silk Alley lawsuit. End Summary. President Hu's U.S. Visit and Falungong -------------- ¶2. In responding to questions at the biweekly MFA press briefing by Reuters and other correspondents about China's views on White House handling of the Falungong incident during the South Lawn welcoming ceremony for President Hu, MFA Deputy Spokesman Qin Gang said China had made a formal representation and the United States had apologized. When pushed regarding the security issue, Qin noted that the United States is known for its tight security and yet the incident occurred anyway. He said this is a question for Washington to answer. Qin underscored that China hopes the United States can now see clearly that Falungong is an evil cult and anti-China political organization whose intent is to sabotage China-US relations. Beijing urges Washington to take concrete steps to stop Falungong anti-China activities, a move that will enhance bilateral relations, according to Qin. Human Rights and Taiwan -------------- ¶3. When asked about reports that President Hu had agreed to take action on three of the six human rights cases raised by the President during their talks, Qin Gang said he did not have specific information but that China would handle each case according to law. BEIJING 00007837 002.2 OF 003 President Hu also repeated China's principled position on cross-Strait relations and appreciated President Bush affirming that U.S. policy had not changed, as well as reiteration of the U.S. commitment to a one- China policy, the three Joint Communiques, "opposition to Taiwan independence" and no unilateral changes to the status quo. China and the United States share broad, strategic interests in cross-Strait stability and checking Taiwan independence, which could undermine China-US relations, Qin said. Iran, DPRK Nuclear Issues -------------- ¶4. When asked by Reuters and other correspondents about the PRC reaction to Iran's threat to withdraw cooperation with the IAEA if sanctions are imposed, Qin urged the international community not to abandon diplomatic means. He called on all parties to exercise restraint and show flexibility in order to create favorable conditions to negotiate a solution. In response to questions regarding views exchanged on Iran and the DPRK at the Bush-Hu talks, Qin said President Hu reiterated China position that the issues should be resolved through diplomatic means. President Hu told President Bush that China will continue promoting peaceful denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and communicating with the United States on the issue, Qin stated. Developments in Nepal -------------- ¶5. When asked by a Xinhua reporter about the decision by Nepal's King to surrender power to a reinstated parliament, Qin stated that China supports the right of various parties in Nepal, including the King, to choose their government and the future of their country. China considers Nepal a friend and neighbor and welcomes positive efforts to ensure stability in the country and region. China's cooperative relations with Nepal will continue. In responding to a Reuters reporter's question about the MFA encouraging Chinese to leave Nepal, Qin said a statement was issued on April 23 to safeguard the security of Chinese citizens there. The MFA had activated its emergency response mechanism but did not know how many Chinese citizens had departed Nepal. China encourages Nepal to ensure the safety and property of Chinese in the country and hopes the situation would normalize soon, stated Qin. China Opposes Terrorism, Sends Condolences to Egypt -------------- -------------- ¶6. In his opening remarks, Qin stated that Hu Jintao had sent formal condolences to the Egyptian government and the victims of the recent bombing there. He said China severely condemned the act and was cooperating with international efforts to combat terrorism in all its manifestations. China's Stance in ROK-Japan Dispute Over Islands -------------- --- ¶7. Asked about China's relations with Japan and the ROK in the context of the dispute over the Dokdo/Takeshima Islands, Qin said he had answered the question on China-Japan relations in the last press conference. Noting that China is a neighbor of both countries, he urged them to solve the dispute through negotiations. Furthr on Chinese Victims of Solomon Islands Riots -------------- -------------- ¶8. When pressed for more details on China's efforts to aid its citizens in the Solomon Islands, Qin asserted that efforts to date had been successful. He said that 310 Chinese had been flown to Guangzhou this morning and the PRC is monitoring the situation. In response to a Hong Kong reporter's question, Qin elaborated on the MFA's Consular Protection Division, saying it strengthens protection for overseas Chinese BEIJING 00007837 003.2 OF 003 and that it coordinates closely with other MFA organizations, including the Chinese Embassies in Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Referring to the April 20 press conference, Qin repeated that while Beijing and Honiara lack diplomatic ties, the PRC had urged the Solomon Islands Government through various channels to protect PRC nationals and overseas Chinese. Denial of Chinese Support for Chad Rebels -------------- ¶9. Qin denounced as highly irresponsible a report mentioned by a correspondent that China is supporting efforts to bring down the Chad government, saying he had not heard of such reports. SCO Defense Minister Meeting -------------- ¶10. Asked about the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministerial, Qin said it will take place on April 26 and that Defense Minister Cao Gangchuan will lead the Chinese delegation. In addition to exchanging views on regional security, Qin said the meeting will discuss how to combat extremism, separatism and terrorism. Diplomatic Status of 2010 Shanghai World Exposition -------------- ¶11. When asked by a Taiwan CNA reporter whether China would engage in diplomatic warfare by including countries that had diplomatic relations with Taiwan at the Expo, Qin stated that as host, China would issue invitations to all member states. China was committed to promoting exchanges and seeking diplomatic relations with all countries. Followup to Silk Alley Lawsuit, Pirated Luxury Brands -------------- -------------- ¶12. In response to a Global Radio News reporter's question on what assurances China can offer regarding protection of copyrights and piracy of luxury brands in light of the successful suit against Silk Alley, Qin said China would protect the legitimate rights and interests of brand names in China. SEDNEY