MAY 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BDA FUNDS; AFRICA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003321 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD SU JA XA XW KS KN SO AS UK HR FR SUBJECT: MAY 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BDA FUNDS; AFRICA COOPERATION; TIBET; PARTICIPATION IN OECD; JAPAN ABDUCTION ISSUE; UNREST IN PAKISTAN; ROK SHIP ACCIDENT; PRAISE FOR CHIRAC; VISITS ¶1. Key points at the May 17 MFA Press Conference were: -- The MFA has taken note of reports from the DPRK Foreign Ministry that BDA funds are being moved. -- Jiang reiterated that assistance to African nations has "no political strings attached." -- The MFA has taken note of reports that the United States plans to open a military command in Africa. -- Before the Dalai Lama's upcoming visit to Australia, the spokeswoman cautioned "relevant countries" to stay alert to Dalai Lama's attempts to undermine China's international relations and to split the Motherland. -- China has applied for observer status in various committees of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). -- A Japanese advisor for the issue of abducted Japanese nationals is currently in Beijing meeting with senior MFA officials. MFA "Noticed" Reports of DPRK Moving Funds -------------- ¶2. At the May 17 regular press briefing, MFA Spokeswoman Jiang Yu stated that the MFA has taken note of reports from the DPRK Foreign Ministry that BDA funds are being moved. Jiang reiterated China's hope for a resolution to the issue at an early date so that all parties can press ahead with implementation of the initial actions agreed upon in the last round of the Six-Party Talks. Financial Assistance to Africa -------------- ¶3. Chinese financial assistance to Africa is supported by the eight-point proposal for China-Africa cooperation put forth by China during last November's Beijing summit with leaders from over 40 African nations and is meant to encourage and strengthen development efforts, said the spokeswoman when asked about China's benchmarks for aid to Africa and how China justifies receiving outside aid itself in light of giving billions in aid to Africa. Jiang repeated claims that such assistance has "no political strings attached." When pressed by reporters for the relation of such claims to the five African nations currently recognizing Taiwan, Jiang said China is ready to work with these five countries on the basis of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence. She also expressed hope for international assistance in the region particularly in the areas of debt relief and transfer of technology. ¶4. Asked for comment on media reports of United States plans to open a military command in Africa, Jiang said only that the MFA had taken note of the reports. MFA Cautions before Dalai Lama Trip to Australia -------------- --- ¶5. Asked for China's reaction to news that both Australian Prime Minister John Howard and Opposition Leader Kevin Rudd were considering the possibility of holding meetings with the Dalai Lama during his scheduled 10-day trip to Australia in June, Jiang said the Dalai Lama's words and deeds prove he is not simply a religious figure, but rather a political exile long engaged in "splittist" activities advocating Tibetan independence. Jiang cautioned relevant countries to stay alert to his attempts to undermine China's international relations and to split the Motherland. Responding to a question regarding the planned May 2008 "Tibetan Olympics" to be held in Dharamsala, India, Jiang said that Tibet has been part of China since ancient times and that the Chinese people and government oppose the politicization of the Olympic Games. China Seeks Further Involvement in OECD -------------- ¶6. China has applied for observer status in various committees of the Organization of Economic Cooperation and BEIJING 00003321 002 OF 002 Development (OECD) and wants to further strengthen cooperation with the organization, said Jiang. She remarked that China has cooperated with the OECD in various fields since 1995 and has already participated as an observer on two OECD committees. Japanese Envoy for Abductions Issue in Beijing -------------- - ¶7. The spokeswoman confirmed that Special Advisor to the Cabinet for the issue of abducted Japanese nationals, Kyoko Nakayama, is currently in Beijing at the invitation of the Japanese Embassy. She met with VFM Wu Dawei and exchanged views on China-Japan relations and the ongoing nuclear situation on the Korean Peninsula. She is also scheduled to meet with EVFM Dai Bingguo. Unrest in Pakistan -------------- ¶8. As a friendly neighbor to Pakistan, China is paying close attention to unrest in Karachi and hopes that the government can maintain peace and social stability there, said the spokeswoman when asked for comment on the situation. Chinese Sailors Kidnapped Off Coast of Somalia -------------- - ¶9. Responding to reports that as many as ten Chinese sailors have been taken hostage aboard two South Korean fishing vessels off the coast of Somalia, Jiang stated that the Chinese government attaches great importance to the situation and that the MFA is following events closely and cooperating with relevant governments on rescue efforts. South Korea to Join Search for Missing Sailors -------------- - ¶10. Asked about the ongoing search-and-rescue operations for 16 sailors missing in the Bohai Sea since their boat sank on May 12, Jiang stated that after the incident was reported China's search and rescue center has made great efforts, coordinating with officials in Shandong Province and the ROK Embassy in Beijing. China has also approved the request to have search and rescue teams from South Korea join in the search. Jiang said that the cause of the incident was still being investigated and that the South Korean government and relatives of the missing sailors have thanked China for its efforts. Chirac an "Old Friend" of China -------------- ¶11. President Chirac is an "old friend" of China who supported the one-China principle as well as China's peaceful reunification with Taiwan and the Chinese Government and people applaud his contributions to the Sino-French relationship, commented the spokeswoman when asked for reflections on Chirac's presidency. Visits: Germany, Croatia, UK -------------- ¶12. German President Horst Koehler will visit May 23-26 at the invitation of President Hu Jintao as will Croatian FM and Minister of European Integration Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic May 20-23 at the invitation of Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. During UK Foreign Secretary Beckett's May 16-21 visit, she will meet with FM Yang and other leaders to exchange views on cooperation between the two countries and their respective foreign ministries, said Jiang. The spokeswoman deflected a reporter's question on whether or not Iran would be a topic of discussion during the visit. RANDT