Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING2543
2007-04-17 10:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

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

Tags:  PREL SENV MNUC ASEAN KS KN SU CU JA MN SN 
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VZCZCXRO7813
OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHGH RUEHHM RUEHNH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #2543/01 1071059
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 171059Z APR 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6956
INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE
RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0079
RUEHUB/USINT HAVANA 0074
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


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