FEBRUARY 15 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001102

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ETRD UNSC CH KN JA IR IN RS XA
SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 15 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,
CHINA'S MFN TRADE STATUS, CHINA-INDIA-RUSSIA COOPERATION,
IRAN, FM LI IN JAPAN, EUROPE-AFRICA COOPERATION, FRANCE FM
TO VISIT


1. Key points made at the February 15 MFA press
conference were:

-- Six-Party Talks have entered a "substantive stage."
The Spokesperson outlined the structure of working
groups and called for the United States and DPRK to
resolve financial issues.

-- China is ready to expand imports from the United
States to reduce the trade deficit and hopes for the
relaxation of high-tech export restrictions.

-- The China-India-Russia meeting in New Delhi touched
on a broad range of regional concerns. This
cooperation is not directed at any third party.

-- FM Li's visit to Tokyo is designed to prepare for
PM Wen's April visit and to maintain the momentum of
improved relations between the two countries.

-- France's Foreign Minister will visit China February
28 to March 1.

Six-Party Talks Working Groups, Financial Issues
-------------- --------------


2. MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu outlined the organization
of Six-Party Talks working groups at the February 15
regular press briefing. The ROK will chair the
economic and energy cooperation group. Russia will
chair the Northeast Asia peace and security mechanism
group. The United States, DPRK and Japan will
respectively chair other working groups. Jiang said
that financial issues were to be handled between the
United States and DPRK through negotiation and
dialogue, when asked for comment on reports that an
American official call for financial questions to be
resolved within 30 days. Asked about Japan's
reluctance to provide aid before the abduction
question is resolved, Jiang said China hopes Japan
would fulfill its obligations under the agreement and
actively participate in the denuclearization process.


3. Jiang would not clarify whether suspension of
activity at Yongbyon would be temporary or permanent,
simply referring reporters to the text of the
agreement for details. She stated the
denuclearization action plan agreed upon Tuesday was
an "important step forward" signifying the Six-Party
Talks have entered a "substantive stage." The
spokeswoman expressed China's hope that all parties
would honor their commitments and implement the
necessary actions.

United States-China Trade Mutually Beneficial
--------------


4. Asked to comment on reports that three U.S.
Senators want to rescind China's most favored nations
trading status, Jiang said the two countries are
important trading partners that reap tangible benefits
with over 21 percent growth in trade last year. China
is ready to expand imports from the United States to
reduce the trade deficit and hopes for the relaxation
of high-tech export restrictions. China has increased
its crackdown on piracy with "firm resolve and
achievement," she said.

China-India-Russia Joint Communique
--------------


5. The foreign ministers of China, India and Russia
met February 14 in New Delhi to discuss "cooperation
in key areas," said Jiang. The Korean Peninsula, the
Middle East, Iraq, Afghanistan, East Asian
cooperation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and
other topics were addressed during these trilateral
talks. The three countries' cooperation aims for
peace and stability and is not directed at any third
party, Jiang said.

New UNSC Resolution on Iran?
--------------


6. Responding to reports that Undersecretary Burns
called for a new UNSC resolution on Iran, Jiang said
the international community should increase diplomatic
and political efforts to resume dialogue and achieve a

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lasting and comprehensive solution.

FM Li Meets with Leaders in Japan
--------------


7. Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing will arrive in Japan
February 15 and meet the speaker of the House of
Representatives, chief cabinet secretary, PM Abe and
FM Aso, Jiang said when asked about the visit. Li
will promote bilateral ties, prepare for PM Wen's
April visit to Japan and attempt to maintain the
momentum of improved relations between the two
countries.

Open Attitude Toward Europe-Africa Cooperation
-------------- -


8. China has taken note of a meeting this morning in
France on cooperation between European and African
countries and maintains an open and positive attitude
toward the event. China has held dialogue with
European and African countries on development in
Africa and is ready for further consultation in this
regard.

Question on Dr. Gao Yaojie Deflected
--------------


9. As she has for the past two weeks, the spokeswoman
told reporters to direct their questions to local
authorities when asked for the MFA's position on the
house arrest of AIDS activist Dr. Gao Yaojie.

French FM to Visit China Feb. 28-March 1
--------------


10. At the invitation of FM Li, French FM Douste-Blazy
will visit China from February 28-March 1, Jiang
announced.
SEDNEY