MARCH 29 MFA PRESS BRIEFING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002096 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MNUC XV CH KN KS JA RS CE PP SU NUIN PK, TW SUBJECT: MARCH 29 MFA PRESS BRIEFING BEIJING 00002096 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. Key points made at the March 29 MFA press conference were: -- China has always viewed the Six-Party Talks "rationally" with neither pessimism nor optimism. -- The "so-called" stealing of United States military secrets was groundless and had ulterior motives. -- It is unfair for the United States to blame its economic problems on China, said the MFA Spokesperson when asked for comment on Senators Schumer and Lindsay's call for China's currency re-evaluation. -- Presidents Hu and Putin signed 21 trade agreements worth over USD 2.3 billion and reached broad consensus on many issues during the President's visit to Russia. -- It is not appropriate to connect the Darfur issue with the 2008 Olympics and people exploiting this juxtaposition to win favor are "totally wrong." China Views April 14 Deadline "Rationally" -------------- ¶2. MFA Spokesman Qin Gang clarified at the March 29 regular press briefing that China has always viewed the Six-Party Talks "rationally" with neither pessimism nor optimism, when asked if China felt the April 14 deadline for shutting down the Yongbyon reactor could be realized. Asked for news on Treasury DAS Glaser's meetings this week in Beijing, Qin responded that the United States is in intensive consultations with the parties concerned. He added that all six parties attach importance to the implementation of the "initial steps." Spy Charges Groundless with Ulterior Motives -------------- ¶3. Qin reiteated that the "so-called" stealing of United States military secrets was groundless and had ulterior motives, when asked whether Mr. Mak, a Chinese-American on trial for passing information to China, was working for the Chinese government. Senators Schumer, Graham on Currency Issue -------------- ¶4. It is unfair for the United States to blame its economic problems on China, said Qin when asked for comment on Senators Schumer and Lindsay's call for China's currency re-evaluation. Qin maintained that China's currency was floated in 2005 in line with a package of currencies and responds to market forces. The responsible management of China's currency is good for the economies of China and the world as a whole, he said. Qin recognized some parties have concerns, but expressed frustration with a nation with a market economy such as the United States trying to instruct the economy of China, which has transformed from a controlled economy to one of market socialism. Darfur and 08 Olympics, Exploiting "Totally Wrong" -------------- -------------- ¶5. It is not appropriate to connect the Darfur issue with the 2008 Olympics and people exploiting this juxtaposition to win favor are "totally wrong," said Qin, commenting on UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Mia Farrow's recent Op-Ed in the Wall Street Journal. He claimed he had never heard of the actress or the report and said such people must not be familiar with Chinese policy on Darfur and China's efforts with those of the international community to reach a peaceful solution and return stability to the region. Hu Visit to Russia a Success -------------- ¶6. President Hu met with President Putin and other leaders during his state visit to Russia, said Qin, calling the visit a success when prompted by Chinese media. Both leaders attended the China Year in Russia opening ceremony and the China National Expo, signed 21 trade agreements worth over USD 2.3 billion and reached broad consensus on many issues. They pledged sincere, trusting political cooperation, win-win economic cooperation, common science and technology innovation, harmonious humanitarian friendship and security cooperation based on unity and mutual assistance. The BEIJING 00002096 002.2 OF 002 leaders agreed to follow the spirit of their Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation and continue efforts to implement the leaders' consensus. Pacific Island Cooperation Hits Snag -------------- ¶7. Qin welcomed a press corps group from the Pacific Island countries to the press conference and said China attaches importance to the region with the aim of improving relations to safeguard peace and stability and promoting development based on equality and mutual benefit. He cited a speech by President Hu in Fiji last year during the China-Pacific Island Country Economic Development Forum, stating that China is prepared to increase cooperation with the region in all fields. ¶8. Responding to a call for comment on Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan's visit to Papua New Guinea and accusations that a Chinese enterprise is operating a nickel mine in violation of local labor laws, Qin said the accusations were found to be groundless after investigation by local Chinese authorities and the Chinese enterprise. The Chinese government attaches importance to such reports and always requests that Chinese companies follow local labor laws and safeguard workers' rights and interests. China hopes Zeng's visit will deepen and expand both countries' friendly cooperation. Nicaragua Hopes Taiwan, Mainland Can Unite -------------- ¶9. Qin had not noticed Nicaragua President Ortega's voicing hope for the unification of Taiwan with the Mainland. The Spokesman reiterated China's hope that all countries can abide by the "universally recognized one China" principle. China wishes to establish normal diplomatic relations at an early date with those nations who still recognize Taiwan. War Criminals at Yasukuni Shrine -------------- ¶10. The Spokesman had not heard of the report released Wednesday that the Japanese government and Yasukuni Shrine officials approved the enshrining of war criminals in 1969, nine years before the names were actually added. Qin confirmed that China's stance on the Yasukuni issue has not changed. However, China and Japan have reached consensus on the goal of overcoming such obstacles and improving the bilateral relationship, said Qin. Opposition to Terrorism of all Forms -------------- ¶11. Asked for comment on Monday's Tamil Rebel air strike that killed three and wounded 16, Qin reiterated China's opposition to terrorism of all forms, adding that China hopes Sri Lanka can realize social stability at an early date. Visits -------------- ¶12. Special envoy of President Hu and Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee Han Qide will attend the inauguration ceremony of Senegal President Wade and the 47th anniversary independence celebration April 3-4. At the invitation of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, European Commission Vice President Verheugen will visit China April 1-4. Princess Sirindhorn of Thailand will visit China April 2-13. At the invitation of FM Li, Australian FM Downer will visit China April 2-5. RANDT