APRIL 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, PM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 002543 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SENV MNUC ASEAN KS KN SU CU JA MN SN SUBJECT: APRIL 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, PM WEN VISIT TO JAPAN, SUDAN, VIRGINA TECH SHOOTING, CUBAN FM IN BEIJING, AID TO AFRICA, ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, VISITS ¶1. Key points at the April 17 MFA Press Conference made by MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao were: -- The Banco Delta Asia issue is close to being resolved but the DPRK still "needs confirmation" before moving ahead with the implementation of the initial actions. -- The MFA has noted reports of activity at Yongbyon but gave no information on the matter. -- Premier Wen's visit to Japan was "very successful" and established a historically important consensus on political, economic and cultural issues. -- China is pleased with the consensus reached between Sudan and the United Nations on Darfur. -- China conveyed condolences to the United States and victims of the Virginia Tech shooting. -- China and Cuba agreed to greater exchanges on diplomatic policy and personnel during the visit of Cuba's foreign minister. -- Other countries have no need to counter Chinese aid to Africa. -- Liu deflected questions on China's role in climate change, trade in endangered hardwoods and export of genetically modified rice. -- Visits: Monaco Prince Albert II will visit China April 24-27, Singapore FM George Yeo April 23-26 and AFM Cui Tiankai will attend the 13th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultations in Huangshan, China April 23-25. Six-Party Talks, BDA and Initial Actions -------------- ¶2. At the April 17 regular press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao blamed failure to resolve the Banco Delta Asia case on "technical issues." In response to questions, he stated that the BDA issue is close to being resolved but the DPRK still "needs confirmation of the relevant questions" before moving ahead with implementation of the initial actions. China hopes the process can be concluded as soon as possible. Liu denied that the Six-Pary Talks had lost momentum when the April 14 deadline passing without action from the DPRKand said the resolve of all parties to push forward the Talks remains unchanged. He reaffirmed China's intention to work hard in implementing the February 13 Joint Document. He did not say when the Talks might restart. ¶3. Asked about reported activity around the DPRK's Yongbyon nuclear facilities, Liu confirmed the MFA had noticed such reports but had no specifics on the matter. When asked for information on an upcoming Chinese delegation visit to the DPRK led by Deputy Head of CCP Central Committee International Department Liu Hongcai, the spokesman referred the reporter to the CCP Central Committee for details. PM Wen's Japan Visit "Very Successful" -------------- ¶4. The spokesman described as "very successful" the historically significant consensus reached on political, economic and cultural issues during PM Wen's "ice-thawing" visit to Japan. He said the two sides also exchanged ideas on Korean peninsula issues and energy cooperation. Asked about reports that Japan refused to agree to language for the joint communiqu that opposed Taiwan independence, Liu responded that, in the three political documents re-establishing diplomatic relations, Japan has already agreed not to support Taiwan independence. The two sides also agreed to cooperate in promoting the East China Sea as a place of peace and prosperity. On the issue of DPRK abduction of Japanese citizens, China expressed its sympathy and hope that Japan and the DPRK could address the issue through dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual respect. ¶5. Asked to confirm Japanese media reports that China and Japan agreed to set up a military hotline, Liu responded that he had not heard specific news regarding a hotline. However, consensus had been reached to hold strategic dialogue between the two countries' militaries and to establish a yet-to-be- specified mechanism to address crises between the two sides. Sudan Makes Deal with UN -------------- BEIJING 00002543 002 OF 003 ¶6. China is pleased with the consensus reached between Sudan and the United Nations on the Darfur issue. The success proves that dialogue and consultation are effective for resolving conflicts, said Liu, stressing the international community should help Sudan in a way suitable to Sudan. Challenged by a UPI reporter as to why China is contributing only USD 10.4 million in humanitarian aid while investing billions in Sudan for China's own gain, Liu asserted that China's investment and cooperation with Sudan contributes to the human rights situation, economic development, peace and stability of Sudan. Virginia Tech Shooting -------------- ¶7. Foreign Minister Li expressed China's shock and condemnation of the shootings at Virginia Tech and already conveyed China's condolences to the victims and the United States in a message to Secretary Rice. China has not found any overseas Chinese students among the injured, Liu said in response to questions, and noted that the identity of the shooter is still under investigation. China-Cuba FM Agreement -------------- ¶8. China attaches great importance to Cuba FM Perez Roque's visit to China and hopes the agreement signed between both countries' foreign ministries will increase policy understanding and promoted bilateral ties. The agreement calls for greater cooperation and consultation between foreign ministries on policy issues and more frequent exchanges of diplomatic personnel and ideas. No Need to Counter Chinese Aid to Africa -------------- ¶9. In response to a question on the Italian Prime Minister's reported call for the EU and Japan to coordinate aid to Africa aid to curb China's influence there, Liu said he does not understand why other countries would want to counter such efforts. China welcomes all countries, especially developed countries, to join hands and assist in the development of Africa. Global Warming as Security Threat? -------------- ¶10. Asked for the MFA's reaction to reports that global warming and climate change are security threats, Liu replied that development should be the primary question in discussing global warming. The responsibility of developed nations in causing global warming over the past 300 years should be emphasized when proposing solutions. China maintains a responsible attitude toward global warming and climate change and is willing to discuss the issue. Illegal Hardwood Imports -------------- ¶11. China's strictly regulated timber imports are an important part of international trade and are not related to illegal logging in various regions, Liu said countering a recent Greenpeace report criticizing China's rising illegal hardwood imports from countries such as Papua Guinea. China places importance on this issue while conducting trade on the basis of mutual benefit and encourages Chinese enterprises to follow all related regulations and laws. GM Rice Scares Unwarranted -------------- ¶12. Responding to a question about rising Chinese agricultural exports, expanded genetically modified (GM) crops and agricultural exports to non-GM importing countries, Liu said China is in consultation with the relevant countries and specific questions should be directed to the Ministry of Commerce or the General Administration of Quality Supervision. Visits: ASEAN, Monaco, Singapore -------------- ¶13. At the invitation of President Hu, Monaco Prince Albert II will visit China from April 24-27. At the invitation of the Chinese Government, Singapore FM George Yeo will visit China from April 23-26 and attend the 2007 Central China BEIJING 00002543 003 OF 003 Expo. The 13th ASEAN-China Senior Officials Consultations will be held in Huangshan, China from April 23-25. AFM Cui Tiankai, and other leaders will attend and discuss China-ASEAN relations and international and regional issues of common interest. RANDT