APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 05 BEIJING 008028 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM PARM PTER KNNP CH IR TW BEIJING 00008028 001.2 OF 005 SUBJECT: APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR ISSUE, TAIWAN, SUDAN, SCO, NEPAL, SIX-PARTY TALKS, YAMASAKI'S VISIT, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, VATICAN, GAO ZHISHENG, SRI LANKA, CHINA-RUSSIA ENERGY COOPERATION, CHINA-INDIA BORDER TALKS Summary -------------- ¶1. Key points made at the April 27 MFA press briefing are as follows: - China is awaiting IAEA Director General ElBaradei's upcoming report on Iran and expects the report to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment. - China firmly opposes Taiwan political figures conducting activities in the United States, regardless of the activity's "name, form or pretext." - The Taiwan authorities have "wantonly" engaged in "dollar diplomacy" in certain countries, fueling corruption and chaos in these places. - Any move by the international community on Sudan should help promote the Abuja peace talks. - The MFA spokesperson argued that media reports that China overlooks human rights abuses while pursuing its economic interests in countries such as Sudan are unsubstantiated. - SCO members have agreed to hold a joint military exercise but have not yet finalized the specific arrangements. - While supporting a policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs, Beijing hopes Nepal can quickly achieve national reconciliation. - Chinese officials have repeatedly stressed to the U.S. Government that China protects its citizens' religious freedoms in accordance with the law. - Asked about the U.S. Congressional resolution on Gao Zhisheng, the MFA spokesperson remarked that Chinese authorities will deal with individual cases according to the law. - Beijing's position on developing ties with the Holy See remains unchanged. - China supports the Sri Lankan Government's efforts to promote stability, reconciliation and development. - The Six Party Talks participants should engage in dialogue and exhibit mutual respect to enhance common understanding. - China will consider Japanese LDP official Yamasaki's recent proposal that the two countries establish a joint emergency response mechanism. - Chinese and Russian officials, along with entrepreneurs, should engage in detailed discussions on ways to implement the high-level consensus on energy cooperation. - Beijing hopes for a fair and rational resolution to the India-China border dispute achieved through equal footed negotiations. - Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kwan Yew will visit Beijing, Shenyang and Shanghai May 10-17. Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdallah will visit China May 9-13. - The regular May 2 and 4 MFA press briefings have been cancelled due to the May 1-7 holiday. End Summary. Iran -------------- ¶2. During the regular April 27 MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Qin Gang asserted that the Iranian nuclear issue has reached a crucial stage, responding to the Reuter correspondent's inquiry. China is BEIJING 00008028 002.2 OF 005 SUBJECT: APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR ISSUE, TAIWAN, SUDAN, SCO, NEPAL, SIX-PARTY TALKS, YAMASAKI'S VISIT, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, VATICAN, GAO ZHISHENG, SRI LANKA, CHINA-RUSSIA ENERGY COOPERATION, CHINA-INDIA BORDER TALKS awaiting IAEA Director General ElBaradei's report on Iran and expects the report to provide a comprehensive and objective assessment. Beijing hopes the relevant countries will remain calm and demonstrate flexibility in order to avoid an escalation of tensions and to create proper conditions for a resumption of negotiations. Qin stressed that a diplomatic resolution to the Iranian nuclear issue serves the interests of all the parties, as well as international and regional peace and stability. Involvement by the international community, including the UNSC, should enhance the IAEA's authority and effectiveness, thereby promoting a proper solution. Chen's U.S. Transit and Taiwan's Diplomatic Efforts -------------- -------------- ¶3. Asked by the Phoenix correspondent about Chen Shui-bian's reported plans to transit through New York City en route to Latin America, Qin stressed China's firm opposition to Taiwan political figures conducting activities in the United States, regardless of the activity's "name, form or pretext." Beijing hopes Washington will honor its "One China policy," the Three Joint Communiques as well as its commitment to oppose Taiwan independence and not permit Chen to engage in any activities in the United States. Asked how China differentiates between overseas trips by Chen and other Taiwan leaders, such as Ma Ying-jeou, Qin responded rhetorically, "What is the real purpose of his (Chen's) stopover? Does he really consider it unofficial?" The Chinese Government treats Taiwan's interactions with the international community on the basis of the One-China principle and does not challenge Taiwan's nonofficial exchanges with the rest of the world. Beijing has adopted many flexible measures to facilitate economic and cultural exchanges between Taiwan and the international community. However, China opposes all Taiwan separatists' activities, regardless of the pretext or name, whose true aim is to split China, Qin asserted. ¶4. Responding to a question on the suspected role of Taiwan politicians in sparking the recent riots in Honiara, Qin noted media reports that some local Chinese businessmen in the Solomon Islands with close ties to Taiwan were involved in the election scandal, which was a major cause of the riots. The Taiwan authorities have for a long time "wantonly" engaged in "dollar diplomacy" in certain countries, fueling corruption and chaos and undermining the fundamental interests of the local people. Relevant countries should draw lessons from these occurrences, Qin concluded. Sudan Sanctions -------------- ¶5. Asked by the AP correspondent why China abstained from the recent UNSC vote on sanctioning individuals in Sudan, Qin referred to PRC UN Permanent Representative Wang Guangya's explanation of China's decision. China has taken a cautious and responsible approach to dealing with Sudan. Beijing will consider the interests of the Sudanese people and the overall objectives of peace, stability and national reconciliation, as well as the role of the international community, in particular the African Union. Qin expressed the hope that any related move by the international community should help promote the Abuja peace talks. ¶6. Asked by the AFP correspondent to respond to claims cited in the Western press that China overlooks human rights abuses in countries such as Sudan where Beijing is pursuing its economic interests, Qin, in an unusually strong manner, berated the reporter for lacking "evidence" that China's regular economic, trade and oil cooperation has led to a violation of human rights. China is a responsible country that is promoting peace, cooperation and development in the BEIJING 00008028 003.2 OF 005 SUBJECT: APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR ISSUE, TAIWAN, SUDAN, SCO, NEPAL, SIX-PARTY TALKS, YAMASAKI'S VISIT, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, VATICAN, GAO ZHISHENG, SRI LANKA, CHINA-RUSSIA ENERGY COOPERATION, CHINA-INDIA BORDER TALKS international arena. The PRC's cooperation with other nations is based on mutual benefit, he stated, remarking that China will not follow in the path of "Western colonialists" and will not damage other countries' human rights. Beijing has played a constructive role in promoting peace and stability in Sudan, raised the Sudanese people's standard of living and dispatched peacekeeping forces to the country in accordance with UN resolutions. Remarking that he requires more "evidence" to support the claims (that China has contributed to human rights abuses),Qin stressed that China is a responsible country and that the media should also act responsibly. SCO Defense Ministers' Meeting -------------- ¶7. Asked about the decision reached by Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers during an April 26 meeting in Beijing to conduct joint military exercises in Russia in 2007, Qin stated that member states have agreed to hold the exercises but have not yet finalized the specific arrangements. The international community maintains a basic consensus on the definition of a terrorist organization and should not apply double standards in dealing with this issue. The goal of SCO members is to combat forces that threaten peace and stability in their nations and the region. During the recent meeting, SCO defense ministers agreed to strengthen counterterrorism and security cooperation, Qin noted. Nepal's Political Situation -------------- ¶8. Questioned by the Spanish News Agency correspondent about the current political situation in Nepal and China's view of the Maoist rebels, Qin highlighted that while the organization has labeled itself Maoist, the PRC Government and Chinese organizations maintain no links with the group. China adheres to a policy of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs. Beijing hopes that Nepal can quickly achieve national reconciliation, stability and harmony and is prepared to work with Nepal to continue strengthening bilateral ties. Human Rights -------------- ¶9. Responding to an inquiry about the discussion between Presidents Hu Jintao and Bush on human rights issues, Qin stated that the Chinese Government has repeatedly stressed to President Bush and other U.S. officials that China protects its citizens' religious freedoms in accordance with the law. While enjoying the freedom of religion, PRC nationals must abide by the law, he stated. Congressional Appeal for Gao Zhisheng -------------- ¶10. Questioned about a U.S. Congressional resolution calling for the reopening of human rights attorney Gao Zhisheng's law firm, Qin remarked that Chinese authorities will deal with individual cases according to the law. Vatican Relations -------------- ¶11. Asked about potential for improved China-Vatican relations and a possible visit by the Pope, Qin said that Beijing's position on developing ties with the Holy See remains unchanged. China hopes the Vatican will create conditions for the improvement of relations. DPRK Financial Sanctions -------------- BEIJING 00008028 004.2 OF 005 SUBJECT: APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR ISSUE, TAIWAN, SUDAN, SCO, NEPAL, SIX-PARTY TALKS, YAMASAKI'S VISIT, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, VATICAN, GAO ZHISHENG, SRI LANKA, CHINA-RUSSIA ENERGY COOPERATION, CHINA-INDIA BORDER TALKS ¶12. Asked by the Kyodo correspondent about Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei's reported criticism of U.S. sanctions on North Korea during a recent meeting with Japanese Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) official Taku Yamasaki, Qin said he was unaware of the specific statement. Qin called on the relevant parties to enhance their common understanding by conducting dialogue and exhibiting mutual respect. These steps will help create favorable conditions for the resumption of the Six-Party Talks, while also addressing the parties' concerns. China-Japan Emergency Mechanism -------------- ¶13. Asked about Yamasaki's reported proposal to NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo that the two countries establish a joint emergency response mechanism, Qin replied that China will consider Yamasaki's suggestion. The two countries should conduct dialogue to properly resolve each other's concerns, Qin remarked. Violence in Sri Lanka -------------- ¶14. Asked by the Xinhua correspondent about the recent wounding of the Sri Lankan army commander, Qin condemned all forms of violence. China is paying close attention to the situation in Sri Lanka and supports Colombo's efforts to promote stability, reconciliation and development. China hopes the country can promptly restore peace and stability. China-Russia Energy Cooperation -------------- ¶15. Qin asserted that China-Russia energy cooperation is mutually beneficial. During recent high-level visits, including President Putin's visit to China, the two countries reached a consensus on strengthening energy cooperation, and China hopes that both countries' government agencies and entrepreneurs will hold detailed discussions on ways to implement the bilateral consensus. Qin noted that areas of potential cooperation include the petrochemical industry, energy security, renewable and clean energy and the maintenance of stable global oil prices. China-India Border Talks -------------- ¶16. Beijing hopes for a fair and rational resolution to the India-China border dispute achieved through equal-footed negotiations and based on agreements reached by the two nations' leaders. During Premier Wen Jiabao's trip to India last year, China and India established guidelines, which have served as the foundation for several rounds of border talks. Deputy Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo participated in the last round of talks, during which he and his Indian counterpart reaffirmed the guidelines and agreed to hold the next round as soon as possible. Qin noted that the next round will be held in Beijing but said the date has no yet been determined. Upcoming Visits -------------- ¶17. Qin noted that Singaporean Minister Mentor Lee Kwan Yew will visit Beijing, Shenyang and Shanghai May 10-17. Tunisian Foreign Minister Abdallah will visit China May 9-13. Consular Affairs Briefing -------------- ¶18. Qin announced that on April 28 MFA Consular Affairs Deputy Director General Wei Wei will brief reporters on the Chinese Government's efforts to enhance protection of PRC citizens abroad. He noted BEIJING 00008028 005.2 OF 005 SUBJECT: APRIL 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRANIAN NUCLEAR ISSUE, TAIWAN, SUDAN, SCO, NEPAL, SIX-PARTY TALKS, YAMASAKI'S VISIT, RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, VATICAN, GAO ZHISHENG, SRI LANKA, CHINA-RUSSIA ENERGY COOPERATION, CHINA-INDIA BORDER TALKS that the May 2 and 4 MFA press briefings have been cancelled due to the May 1-7 Labor Day holiday. SEDNEY