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 BEIJING 00001102 002 OF 002 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