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
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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
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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

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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
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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