Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING376
2007-01-16 11:49:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
JANUARY 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: EAST ASIA SUMMIT,
how-toVZCZCXRO8587 OO RUEHCHI RUEHCN RUEHDT RUEHGH RUEHHM RUEHNH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0376/01 0161149 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 161149Z JAN 07 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3885 INFO RUCNASE/ASEAN MEMBER COLLECTIVE RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 6504 RUEHLI/AMEMBASSY LISBON 0380 RUEHOT/AMEMBASSY OTTAWA 3921
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000376
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ASEAN PTER KN CH
SUBJECT: JANUARY 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: EAST ASIA SUMMIT,
BILATS WITH JAPAN AND INDIA, SUDAN, IRAN OIL DEAL, DPRK
TALKS, HUMAN RIGHTS, CANADA, NEPAL, PORTUGUESE PM VISIT
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000376
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ASEAN PTER KN CH
SUBJECT: JANUARY 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: EAST ASIA SUMMIT,
BILATS WITH JAPAN AND INDIA, SUDAN, IRAN OIL DEAL, DPRK
TALKS, HUMAN RIGHTS, CANADA, NEPAL, PORTUGUESE PM VISIT
1. Key points made at the January 16 MFA press conference:
-- China supports the East Asia Summit (EAS),believes
ASEAN-Plus-Three is the main venue for regional cooperation
and discussed the Korean Peninsula during a PRC-Japan-ROK
trilateral meeting in Cebu, Philippines.
-- Premier Wen discussed UN issues with Japanese PM Abe on
the margins of the EAS and is planning to visit Japan in
spring.
-- Premier Wen's bilateral meeting with Indian PM Singh at
the EAS was productive. VFM Dai Bingguo will attend border
talks in India January 17-18.
-- The visit by Special Envoy Natsios was conducive to
cooperation between China and the United States on Sudan.
-- China has normal trade relations with Iran and its recent
energy deal is part of those relations.
-- China welcomes a visit by EAP A/S Hill to Beijing but had
no specifics.
-- China-Canada relations are important but must adhere to
China's non-interference policy.
-- China is pleased to see progress in Nepal's political
situation.
-- China welcomes Portuguese PM Socrates' upcoming visit to
Beijing.
-- Liu had no information on executions in Iraq, the recent
terrorist raid in Xinjiang or the reported death of
revolutionary leader Bo Yibo.
East Asia Summit: Wen's Proposal and DPRK
--------------
2. Premier Wen's Three-Point Proposal was well-received at
the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Cebu was well-received, Liu
said. Wen's proposal emphasized development, prosperity and
mutual benefit. It was well-received by the attending
countries. The DPRK nuclear issue was discussed in
trilateral meetings between China, the Republic of Korea and
Japan. Liu stressed that cooperation between these countries
is very important to greater regional stability and
cooperation. China believes the Six-Party Talks are the best
way to resolve issues on the Korean Peninsula.
3. In response to questions regarding the East Asian Summit,
Liu said China holds a supportive attitude towards the
organization and the cooperation it fosters in various field,
but sees ASEAN-Plus-Three as the main cooperation mechanism
in the region.
Japan Relations Critical
--------------
4. A reporter asked Liu to elaborate on PM Wen's comments
that China-Japan relations are at a critical stage. Liu said
both sides should take a long-term perspective, properly
handle historical issues, abide by the Three Political
Documents and uphold the One-China Policy. China is ready to
promote better relations with Japan through mutual
cooperation. Liu mentioned that Wen is planning a trip to
Japan in the spring, but no dates have been set.
Wen, Abe Discuss UN Issues
--------------
5. In a bilateral meeting, Wen and Japanese PM Abe discussed
UN reform. China supports proper and necessary UN reform,
especially when it empowers smaller countries such as the
developing nations in Africa. Commenting on reports that Abe
called for Japan and NATO to strengthen relations, Liu said
that such developments are good for the stability of the
region.
China-India Talks, Dialogue With Pakistan Welcomed
-------------- --------------
6. The bilateral meeting between Chinese PM Wen and Indian PM
Singh in Cebu was productive and increased mutual trust,
bilateral cooperation and harmonious development. PRC
Special envoy Dai Bingguo will attend the 9th round of border
BEIJING 00000376 002 OF 003
talks in New Delhi on January 17-18 to explore solutions to
the issues. Commenting on reports that Pakistan and India
have agreed on further dialogue, Liu said China, as a
neighbor of both countries, welcomes progress and hopes the
countries can handle their differences peacefully through
negotiation and diplomacy.
Sudan and Hu's Visit to Africa
--------------
7. When asked whether China-United States cooperation on the
Sudan issue will increase in the wake of Special Presidential
Envoy Natsios' visit to Beijing, Liu said the visit was
conducive and both countries would work to find a political
solution to the issue. Asked to provide details of President
Hu's upcoming trip to Africa, Liu said the visit is still
being planned. Details will be released when they are fixed.
Asked whether Hu would visit Sudan, Liu added that China is
concerned with the situation in Sudan and has made concerted
diplomatic efforts to solve the issue. Any solution must
respect Sudan's sovereignty.
China-Iran Energy Deal
--------------
8. Asked to comment on a deal between CNOOC and Iran to
develop natural gas fields in Iran, Liu responded that China
has normal trade relations with Iran, an OPEC member state.
This deal is conducive to China and Iran as they are energy
consumers and producers. The reporter noted that the deal is
opposed by U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos.
DPRK Talks in Beijing?
--------------
9. When asked about a potential visit by EAP A/S Hill or
possible talks in Beijing between the United States and the
DPRK over financial sanctions, Liu replied that China
welcomes Hill. Liu had no specifics about such a visit or
possible financial talks. He debunked a media report that
the DPRK approached Beijing to buy the new Chinese fighter
bomber.
Critical Human Rights Report
--------------
10. Following up Liu's response at a previous press
conference criticizing a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report as
biased and politically motivated, a reporter from an America
news agency asked Liu what ulterior motives HRW might have
and why China has not invited the organization to view the
situation first-hand. Liu responded that China welcomed
human rights dialogues based on equality and respect with a
host of countries and multinational organizations, but would
not establish a dialogue with an NGO. He said some
organizations see China with colored glasses and suggested
the report asked HRW why they harbored such bad will towards
China.
Canada
--------------
11. A reporter asked Liu to comment on Canada's recent
criticism over China's human rights situation, the extension
of Canadian citizenship to the Dali Lama and the upcoming
visits by Canadian Ministers. China attaches importance to
bilateral relations with Ottawa, believes relations are
mutually beneficial and hopes to strengthen them, Liu said.
He warned that relations must be fair and carried out in
accordance to the policy of non-interference and safeguarding
Chinese territorial integrity.
Nepal
--------------
12. Liu said China was pleased to see progress in Nepal,
responding to a request for comment on the establishment of
an interim parliament and ratification of interim
constitution in Nepal. China hopes the peaceful reforms will
continue, promote stability throughout the region and benefit
the Nepalese people.
Portuguese PM's Visit
--------------
13. Asked why the MFA had not made an official announcement
of Portuguese Prime Minister Socrates' impending visit to
BEIJING 00000376 003 OF 003
Beijing January 30 to February 4, Liu said no dates had been
set. China welcomes PM Socrates to Beijing. Portugal is an
important partner to China, especially as it takes the EU
rotating presidency in the second half of 2007. China hopes
to discuss increasing China-EU cooperation during the visit.
Iraqi Executions
--------------
14. When asked to comment on the recent executions of other
officials in Iraq, Liu said only that China hopes for peace
and stability, Iraqi self rule and prosperity for the Iraqi
people.
Xinjiang Terrorist Raid
--------------
15. Asked to provide an update on the terrorist raid in
Xinjiang earlier this month, Liu said some suspects have been
arrested, others are still at large and their whereabouts are
unknown. Liu referred specific questions to the Public
Security Bureau.
Revolutionary Leader Bo Yibo's Death
--------------
16. Liu had no comment about the reported death of former
Politburo member and revolutionary leader Bo Yibo, the father
of current Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.
RANDT
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL ASEAN PTER KN CH
SUBJECT: JANUARY 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: EAST ASIA SUMMIT,
BILATS WITH JAPAN AND INDIA, SUDAN, IRAN OIL DEAL, DPRK
TALKS, HUMAN RIGHTS, CANADA, NEPAL, PORTUGUESE PM VISIT
1. Key points made at the January 16 MFA press conference:
-- China supports the East Asia Summit (EAS),believes
ASEAN-Plus-Three is the main venue for regional cooperation
and discussed the Korean Peninsula during a PRC-Japan-ROK
trilateral meeting in Cebu, Philippines.
-- Premier Wen discussed UN issues with Japanese PM Abe on
the margins of the EAS and is planning to visit Japan in
spring.
-- Premier Wen's bilateral meeting with Indian PM Singh at
the EAS was productive. VFM Dai Bingguo will attend border
talks in India January 17-18.
-- The visit by Special Envoy Natsios was conducive to
cooperation between China and the United States on Sudan.
-- China has normal trade relations with Iran and its recent
energy deal is part of those relations.
-- China welcomes a visit by EAP A/S Hill to Beijing but had
no specifics.
-- China-Canada relations are important but must adhere to
China's non-interference policy.
-- China is pleased to see progress in Nepal's political
situation.
-- China welcomes Portuguese PM Socrates' upcoming visit to
Beijing.
-- Liu had no information on executions in Iraq, the recent
terrorist raid in Xinjiang or the reported death of
revolutionary leader Bo Yibo.
East Asia Summit: Wen's Proposal and DPRK
--------------
2. Premier Wen's Three-Point Proposal was well-received at
the East Asia Summit (EAS) in Cebu was well-received, Liu
said. Wen's proposal emphasized development, prosperity and
mutual benefit. It was well-received by the attending
countries. The DPRK nuclear issue was discussed in
trilateral meetings between China, the Republic of Korea and
Japan. Liu stressed that cooperation between these countries
is very important to greater regional stability and
cooperation. China believes the Six-Party Talks are the best
way to resolve issues on the Korean Peninsula.
3. In response to questions regarding the East Asian Summit,
Liu said China holds a supportive attitude towards the
organization and the cooperation it fosters in various field,
but sees ASEAN-Plus-Three as the main cooperation mechanism
in the region.
Japan Relations Critical
--------------
4. A reporter asked Liu to elaborate on PM Wen's comments
that China-Japan relations are at a critical stage. Liu said
both sides should take a long-term perspective, properly
handle historical issues, abide by the Three Political
Documents and uphold the One-China Policy. China is ready to
promote better relations with Japan through mutual
cooperation. Liu mentioned that Wen is planning a trip to
Japan in the spring, but no dates have been set.
Wen, Abe Discuss UN Issues
--------------
5. In a bilateral meeting, Wen and Japanese PM Abe discussed
UN reform. China supports proper and necessary UN reform,
especially when it empowers smaller countries such as the
developing nations in Africa. Commenting on reports that Abe
called for Japan and NATO to strengthen relations, Liu said
that such developments are good for the stability of the
region.
China-India Talks, Dialogue With Pakistan Welcomed
-------------- --------------
6. The bilateral meeting between Chinese PM Wen and Indian PM
Singh in Cebu was productive and increased mutual trust,
bilateral cooperation and harmonious development. PRC
Special envoy Dai Bingguo will attend the 9th round of border
BEIJING 00000376 002 OF 003
talks in New Delhi on January 17-18 to explore solutions to
the issues. Commenting on reports that Pakistan and India
have agreed on further dialogue, Liu said China, as a
neighbor of both countries, welcomes progress and hopes the
countries can handle their differences peacefully through
negotiation and diplomacy.
Sudan and Hu's Visit to Africa
--------------
7. When asked whether China-United States cooperation on the
Sudan issue will increase in the wake of Special Presidential
Envoy Natsios' visit to Beijing, Liu said the visit was
conducive and both countries would work to find a political
solution to the issue. Asked to provide details of President
Hu's upcoming trip to Africa, Liu said the visit is still
being planned. Details will be released when they are fixed.
Asked whether Hu would visit Sudan, Liu added that China is
concerned with the situation in Sudan and has made concerted
diplomatic efforts to solve the issue. Any solution must
respect Sudan's sovereignty.
China-Iran Energy Deal
--------------
8. Asked to comment on a deal between CNOOC and Iran to
develop natural gas fields in Iran, Liu responded that China
has normal trade relations with Iran, an OPEC member state.
This deal is conducive to China and Iran as they are energy
consumers and producers. The reporter noted that the deal is
opposed by U.S. Congressman Tom Lantos.
DPRK Talks in Beijing?
--------------
9. When asked about a potential visit by EAP A/S Hill or
possible talks in Beijing between the United States and the
DPRK over financial sanctions, Liu replied that China
welcomes Hill. Liu had no specifics about such a visit or
possible financial talks. He debunked a media report that
the DPRK approached Beijing to buy the new Chinese fighter
bomber.
Critical Human Rights Report
--------------
10. Following up Liu's response at a previous press
conference criticizing a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report as
biased and politically motivated, a reporter from an America
news agency asked Liu what ulterior motives HRW might have
and why China has not invited the organization to view the
situation first-hand. Liu responded that China welcomed
human rights dialogues based on equality and respect with a
host of countries and multinational organizations, but would
not establish a dialogue with an NGO. He said some
organizations see China with colored glasses and suggested
the report asked HRW why they harbored such bad will towards
China.
Canada
--------------
11. A reporter asked Liu to comment on Canada's recent
criticism over China's human rights situation, the extension
of Canadian citizenship to the Dali Lama and the upcoming
visits by Canadian Ministers. China attaches importance to
bilateral relations with Ottawa, believes relations are
mutually beneficial and hopes to strengthen them, Liu said.
He warned that relations must be fair and carried out in
accordance to the policy of non-interference and safeguarding
Chinese territorial integrity.
Nepal
--------------
12. Liu said China was pleased to see progress in Nepal,
responding to a request for comment on the establishment of
an interim parliament and ratification of interim
constitution in Nepal. China hopes the peaceful reforms will
continue, promote stability throughout the region and benefit
the Nepalese people.
Portuguese PM's Visit
--------------
13. Asked why the MFA had not made an official announcement
of Portuguese Prime Minister Socrates' impending visit to
BEIJING 00000376 003 OF 003
Beijing January 30 to February 4, Liu said no dates had been
set. China welcomes PM Socrates to Beijing. Portugal is an
important partner to China, especially as it takes the EU
rotating presidency in the second half of 2007. China hopes
to discuss increasing China-EU cooperation during the visit.
Iraqi Executions
--------------
14. When asked to comment on the recent executions of other
officials in Iraq, Liu said only that China hopes for peace
and stability, Iraqi self rule and prosperity for the Iraqi
people.
Xinjiang Terrorist Raid
--------------
15. Asked to provide an update on the terrorist raid in
Xinjiang earlier this month, Liu said some suspects have been
arrested, others are still at large and their whereabouts are
unknown. Liu referred specific questions to the Public
Security Bureau.
Revolutionary Leader Bo Yibo's Death
--------------
16. Liu had no comment about the reported death of former
Politburo member and revolutionary leader Bo Yibo, the father
of current Commerce Minister Bo Xilai.
RANDT