MAY 8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: ARMS SALES TO SUDAN;

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003063 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD SU JA KN CA PM MX IV RW VM SUBJECT: MAY 8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: ARMS SALES TO SUDAN; JAPAN PM'S SHRINE GIFT; UNREST IN MACAO, MILAN, BARCELONA; BDA; TAINTED PRODUCTS; FM LI RETIREMENT; VISITS ¶1. Key points at the May 8 MFA Press Conference made by MFA Spokesman Jiang Yu were: -- The MFA said arms sales to Sudan are limited to conventional weapons and such sales to African nations are generally "small-scale." -- In light of PM Abe's reported gift to the Yasukuni Shrine, China hopes Japan can follow consensus between the two countries on developing healthy bilateral relations. -- China supports the Macao SAR government in handling recent protests over poor social conditions and the influx of cheap Mainland labor. -- Technical problems involving the Banco Delta Asia issue are being resolved. -- The spokeswoman avoided questions about contaminated pharmaceuticals, referring reporters to health and consumer safety agencies. -- Former FM Li Zhaoxing was replaced because of the "retirement age." -- The Presidents of Vietnam and Rwanda, as well as the Cote d'Ivoire Foreign Minister, will visit China in May. Sudan: Weapon Sales, Peacekeepers -------------- ¶2. At the May 8 regular press briefing, MFA Spokeswoman Jiang Yu said Chinese weapons sales to Sudan have been limited to conventional weapons and that arms sales to Africa generally are of a "small-scale." She called an Amnesty International report criticizing China for weapon sales to Sudan "groundless," adding that China takes a cautious, responsible approach to arms sales. ¶3. In response to questions on China's contributions to peacekeeping troops in Darfur, Jiang stated that more than 400 Chinese peacekeepers are already on the ground and have extended their tours for six months. The spokeswoman added that China will send a team of engineers to support the UN force during the second phase of the Annan plan. All parties should stick to the "double-check" strategy in supporting a political solution in Darfur, said Jiang as she warned that no actions should be taken to further complicate the situation there. Japan and Yasukuni Shrine -------------- ¶4. The Yasukuni Shrine issue is important and sensitive and China hopes Japan will abide by the consensus recently reached between the two countries on developing healthy relations, said Jiang when asked for China's reaction to PM Abe's offering of a plant at the shrine. Nothing New on Six-Party Talks, BDA -------------- ¶5. Jiang offered no new information in response to questions about Banco Delta Asia and restarting of the Six-Party Talks. Relevant parties are currently working to resolve the remaining technical problems, she said. Protests in Macao -------------- ¶6. China supports Macao SAR government efforts to maintain stability and prosperity in accordance with the law, Jiang said in response to a question on May 1 demonstrations in the region the reporter said were over poor social conditions and the influx of cheap Mainland labor. Overseas Chinese Should be Good Global Citizens -------------- -- BEIJING 00003063 002 OF 002 ¶7. Reporters asked about reports of recent unrest in Chinese communities of Barcelona, Spain and Milan, Italy. Jiang said China requests that its citizens abroad contribute to local society while respecting local laws and hopes foreign governments will safeguard the rights and interests of resident Chinese citizens and local citizens of Chinese ethnicity. Contaminated Food and Drug Exports -------------- ¶8. China has strict regulations governing its pharmaceutical industry and the materials it uses, said Jiang when asked to comment on a case of tainted drug products in Panama. The China State Food and Drug Administration (CSFDA) investigated this case last year at the request of the United States FDA and found the relevant Chinese company was not a certified medical producer, Jiang added. She referred all questions regarding the melamine import case, FDA inspectors in China, the arrest of Mao Li and deaths of Guangzhou pigs to the CSFDA and relevant local authorities. Li Zhaoxing Retirement Due to Age -------------- ¶9. The spokeswoman pointed to the "retirement age" restrictions when asked why former FM Li had been replaced by new FM Yang Jiechi. Jiang added that Li had made great contributions to and would continue to support China's foreign affairs. Canada FM Visit, Huseyin Celil Case -------------- ¶10. FM MacKay of Canada met with FM Yang and State Councilor Tang Jiaxuan during a recent visit to China, confirmed Jiang. Asked about Canadian consular access to Uighur-Canadian Huseyin Celil, who was convicted in Urumqi on terrorism charges, Jiang said Celil is a Chinese citizen according to international law and was an integral member of an international terrorist organization. China hopes the two countries can properly handle such disputes for the good of the long-term bilateral relationship. Reeducation-Through-Labor Camps -------------- ¶11. China opposes interference in China's internal affairs by the German government, said Jiang when asked for comment on a possible German government resolution condemning China's reeducation-through-labor camps. China's use of the camps has a legal basis and serves to reduce crime and protect the legal rights and interests of the Chinese people. Mexico Trade Dispute Needs Fair Resolution -------------- ¶12. China resolves trade disputes based on equality and mutual benefit, said Jiang responding to the ongoing WTO dispute between Mexico and China over high Mexican tariffs on Chinese textile imports. Jiang referred specific questions to the Ministry of Commerce. Visits: Vietnam, Rwanda, Cote d'Ivoire -------------- ¶13. At the invitation of President Hu, Vietnam President Triet will pay a state visit to China May 15-18 as will President Kagame of Rwanda May 13-18. The Cote d'Ivoire FM will pay an official visit May 9-18. Premier Wen will attend the Asia Development Bank 2007 Shanghai meeting May 16-17 where he will deliver a speech. RANDT