MARCH 1 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001362 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD ELAB IR KN JA CH GH NP SUBJECT: MARCH 1 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS WORKING GROUPS, D VISIT, IRAN, JAPAN AND WAR MEMORIALS, VP CHENEY'S COMMENTS, MIGRANT WORKERS, TRADE PROTECTIONISM, NPC, NEPAL IN THE SCO, VISITOR TO GHANA ¶1. Key points made at the March 1 MFA press conference were: -- China expects a positive outcome from talks in New York between DPRK VFM Kim Kye-gwan and A/S Hill. -- The Spokesperson repeated the schedule for Deputy Secretary Negroponte's visit. SIPDIS -- China hopes Iran will abide by UNSCR 1737 and respond positively to concerns of the international community. -- A Japanese LDP official's stop this morning at a Chinese war memorial is a positive sign for Premier Wen's upcoming visit to Japan. -- The Spokesperson compared Vice President Cheney's remarks on the need for transparency in China's military spending to a man peeping into his neighbor's house. -- China disputes an Amnesty International report on abuse of migrant workers, but admits some migrants have "undeniably" been abused in China. -- China is a victim of protectionism and conducts its trade based on WTO rules. -- A Chinese official will attend Ghana's 50th anniversary ceremonies. Positive Outcome Expected from Hill-Kim Meeting -------------- -- ¶2. MFA Spokesperson Qin Gang said at the regular March 1 MFA press conference that China expects a positive outcome from talks between DPRK VFM Kim Kye-gwan and A/S Hill to be held in the next few days in the United States. The meeting is an important step towards implementation of the joint statement. Qin had no information regarding the time and place of the nuclear disarmament working group of which a reporter said China is in charge. Deputy Secretary's Meetings in Beijing -------------- ¶3. U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte will meet with State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan, FM Li Zhaoxing, VFM Dai Binguo and VFM Yang Jiechi during his March 3-5 visit to China, Qin said in response to questions. Iran Nuclear Issue -------------- ¶4. Asked what actions China is considering with regard to the Iran nuclear issue, Qin said China advocates peaceful diplomatic negotiations. China hopes that Iran will abide by UNSCR 1737 and respond positively to concerns of the international community. Other parties should stick to the �00A;international framework in resolving the issue, Qin said. Japan Official's Visit to Chinese War Memorial -------------- - ¶5. The fact that a Japanese LDP official this morning visited a war memorial in China is a positive sign for Premier Wen Jiabao's upcoming visit to Japan, Qin said in response to questions. China and Japan reached a consensus last year on how to improve relations and China hopes for continuous joint efforts, Qin said. Qin said the establishment of Japan's Council on National Defense Security is Japan's internal affair but China hopes Japan will continue on the road of peaceful development. VP Cheney's Remarks on China's Military Spending -------------- --- ¶6. In response to questions about Vice President Cheney's recent remarks on the lack of transparency in China's military spending, Qin compared the remarks to the situation of a man who stands at the door of his neighbor's home demanding to see inside and see what the man's family is doing. If someone asked to see your underwear, how would you feel?, Qin asked. Qin further gave a lengthy elaboration of China's diplomatic policy, emphasizing that China does not interfere in the internal affairs of others, does not bully others and does not use double standards. China is focused on building a harmonious world of universal prosperity and lasting peace, Qin said. BEIJING 00001362 002 OF 002 Abuse of Migrant Workers "Undeniable" -------------- ¶7. Qin denounced an Amnesty International report on abuse of migrant workers in China and called "irresponsible" the report's conclusion that China's economic development comes at the cost of human rights. Nonetheless, he acknowledged that legal rights of migrant workers have "undeniably" been abused in some places in China. The Communist Party and Chinese government attach great importance to proper treatment of migrant laborers, the Chinese people fully respect the role of migrants in China's industrialization and modernization. China has taken and will continue to take measures to address problems faced by migrant workers, he said. China a Victim of Protectionism -------------- ¶8. Asked to comment on China's reported violation of WTO rules, Qin said the Chinese government conducts all matters on the basis of the WTO rules. China advocates using friendly negotiation to resolve any disputes and strongly opposes protectionism. China has suffered "the most" from anti-dumping investigations. He declined to specify who made China a victim of protectionism. He deflected a question on a trade issue with Mexico and called for all parties to follow WTO rules. NPC to Ratify Treaty on Southeast Asia -------------- ¶9. Qin was asked to clarify the process by which the National People's Congress (NPC) ratifies treaties, such as one concerning China's border with Southeast Asian nations expected to be ratified at next week's NPC meetings. He said treaties must pass through the legislative bodies of most nations and China's system is no different. Responding to a follow-up question for a specific list of treaties ratified by the NPC, Qin referred the reporter to bookstores. Nepal to Join SCO? -------------- ¶10. Qin said he had not heard reports that Nepal wanted to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO),but said the addition of observers and new members should be decided through consultation and consensus with current SCO member states. Chinese official to Ghana -------------- ¶11. Abdul'ahat Abdulrixit, Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, will visit Ghana March 6-7 as the special envoy of Chinese President Hu Jintao. He will attend an event for the 50th anniversary of the Republic of Ghana. RANDT