MAY 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, ENVOY TO SUDAN,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003535 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL ETRD SU JA KN IR PM BM MX IN GM SUBJECT: MAY 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, ENVOY TO SUDAN, FOOD AND DRUG SAFETY, EAST CHINA SEA, G8 DIALOGUE, BURMA, NEW DPRK FM, NATO-CHINA DIALOGUE ¶1. Key points at the May 24 MFA Press Conference were: -- IAEA and UNSC decisions must be implemented, but all parties must intensify diplomatic efforts so as to arrive at an enduring, comprehensive solution that serves the interests of all, said the spokeswoman. -- China hopes the Sudanese Government can exert greater flexibility and that relevant parties can seize this opportunity to build mutual trust and implement the third phase of the Annan plan. -- China pays high attention to food and drug safety and is positive about international cooperation in this area. -- The eighth round of East China Sea talks will open in Beijing on May 25. -- Responding to a question about a plea for a Burmese pro-democracy activist's release made by First Lady Laura Bush and members of Congress, the spokeswoman said Burmese political reform is an internal affair. Intensify Diplomatic Efforts on Iran Nuclear Issue -------------- -------------- ¶2. Asked at the May 24 regular press briefing for comment on an International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report concluding that Iran has not complied with UNSC resolutions regarding its nuclear program, MFA Spokeswoman Jiang Yu said that decisions of the IAEA and UNSC must be implemented, but that in the mean time, all parties must intensify diplomatic efforts and adopt constructive approaches so as to arrive at an enduring, comprehensive solution that serves the interests of all. Jiang added that China will carefully study the IAEA report, which she expects to be "objective and professional as always." Special Africa Envoy's Visit to Sudan -------------- ¶3. During a recent trip to Sudan, Special Envoy for Africa Affairs Liu Guijin visited the Darfur region and met with the President of Sudan and other officials to exchange views on the Darfur issue, stated Jiang. She expressed China's hope that the Sudanese Government can exert greater flexibility and that relevant parties can seize this opportunity to build mutual trust, implement the third phase of the Annan plan and reach a political solution based on dialogue and peaceful negotiations. Tainted Toothpaste -------------- ¶4. Asked for confirmation that the United States is checking all Chinese imported shipments of toothpaste for harmful chemicals, the spokeswoman said she had no details on the matter. Asked about tainted Chinese toothpaste exports to Panama and general alarm over Chinese food exports, Jiang emphasized that the Administration for Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has responded to the issue, adding that China pays high attention to food and drug safety and is positive about international cooperation in this area. 8th East China Sea Talks in Beijing: Distance Remains -------------- -------------- ¶5. The eighth round of East China Sea talks will open in Beijing on May 25, said Jiang responding to multiple questions on the topic. China is ready to press ahead with consultations in line with the five-point consensus reached by leaders outlined in a recent joint communique on planning mutually beneficial joint development acceptable to both sides. The unilateral "middle line" proposal by Japan is not acceptable to China and will not be discussed, Jiang added when pressed. China-Japan Meeting at G8 Not Confirmed -------------- ¶6. China, India, Mexico and other nations will participate in the G8 dialogues with developing countries during the summit at Heiligendamm, Germany, stated Jiang when asked about BEIJING 00003535 002 OF 002 rumors of a China-Japan meeting on the sidelines of the summit. Issues to be addressed include innovation, IPR protection, trade liberalization, energy, climate change and aid to Africa, said the spokeswoman. Burma Political Reform an Internal Affair -------------- ¶7. Burma political reform is an internal affair and should be settled by the Burmese Government and people, said Jiang, responding to a question about a plea for pro-democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi's release made by First Lady Laura Bush together with various members of Congress. China hopes international efforts can be constructive in helping Burma with political reconciliation. FM Yang Congratulates New DPRK FM -------------- ¶8. FM Yang sent a congratulatory telegram to the DPRK's newly appointed Foreign Minister, confirmed Jiang when asked what China's expectations were for the new FM. China Ready to Work with NATO -------------- ¶9. China has had various levels and forms of dialogue with NATO to establish mutual trust and a security concept based on equality, said Jiang when asked about Xinhua reports that NATO wants to establish direct military connection with the Chinese military. In recent years, China has held the first Director General-level consultations on nonproliferation and other issues, she said, adding that China is ready to work with NATO on the basis of equality and mutual trust to maintain contact and enhance exchanges with the goal of increasing mutual understanding and furthering peace and stability. PICCUTA