JUNE 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: TIANANMEN ANNIVERSARY,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003761 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM GE BM KS CH SUBJECT: JUNE 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: TIANANMEN ANNIVERSARY, MISSILE DEFENSE, PM WEN RUMORS, G-8 COOPERATION, SPYING, NE ASIA FM TRILATERAL, PRE-OLYMPIC DEMOLITIONS, ENVIRONMENT, VISITS ¶1. Key points at the June 5 MFA Press Conference were: -- When asked about the anniversary of Tiananmen the spokesperson noted China's progress over the past 20 years and slammed comments by American officials as "groundless attacks on China's internal affairs." -- China believes a United States missile defense system will negatively impact the strategic balance, is not conducive to regional stability and will increase weapons proliferation. -- A Japanese media report that Premier Wen would not seek a second term was dismissed as rumor. -- Cooperation between the G-8 and China is conducive to peace and stability of the world. -- Spying charges about China raised in the United States are groundless and rooted in ulterior motives. -- Visits: Suriname's Vice President will visit June 10-15. A Cuban Parliament delegation and a high-level Burmese delegation are currently in Beijing. Tiananmen Anniversary: MFA Highlights Progress -------------- - ¶2. At the June 5 regular MFA press briefing, spokesperson Jiang Yu responded to questions about the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident saying, "There has already been a clear conclusion to the turmoil of the late '80s." She added that over the past 20 years China has made great progress in social stability, economic development, democracy and legal systems. The Chinese people enjoy all kinds of rights and freedoms and the Chinese Government and people will unswervingly follow the road of socialism with Chinese characteristics, she said. Asked about the freedom of Chinese journalists to report the events of 1989, Jiang replied that the Constitution protects the freedom of all Chinese citizens and Chinese media can report within the framework of the Constitution and relevant laws. Asked about Speaker of the House Pelosi's comments on the June 4 anniversary, Jiang called the remarks "irresponsible, groundless attacks on China's internal affairs," and urged the United States to undertake a deep review of its own human rights abuses both domesticlly and internationally. Negative on U.S. Missile Defense Moves -------------- ¶3. China is gravely concerned about the United States' promotion of a missile defense system, said Jiang replying to questions on the recent defense ministers meeting in Singapore and the possibility of China's introducing a similar system. China believes missile defense will negatively impact the strategic balance, is not conducive to regional stability and will increase weapons proliferation. China maintains a consistent position and hopes relevant parties will act cautiously. Premier Stepping Down "Completely a Rumor" -------------- ¶4. Jiang said a June 3 report in the Japanese media that Premier Wen would not seek a second term was "completely a rumor," when asked about the matter. China-G-8 Cooperation Conducive to Global Peace -------------- -- ¶5. Cooperation between the G-8 and China is conducive to both sides and good for the peace and stability of the world and China is ready to conduct equal dialogue on the basis of equality and mutual benefit, stated the spokesperson. Jiang expressed hope for practical cooperation and a long-term, stable, equal partnership in establishing a "north-south dialogue." Issues of innovation, IPR protection, trade liberalization, energy, climate change and aid to Africa will be discussed at the upcoming G-8 meeting which will open June 8 in Germany, she added. Spying Charges Are "Groundless" -------------- ¶6. Asked about three individuals in the United States who have recently pleaded guilty to spying for China, Jiang responded that such spying charges are groundless and rooted BEIJING 00003761 002 OF 002 in ulterior motives. Trilateral FM Meeting in ROK -------------- ¶7. China, Japan and ROK foreign ministers exchanged ideas on future areas of cooperation and issues of common interests during trilateral meetings June 3, Jiang said. China believes the three countries have common responsibilities and will handle differences through consultation. China would like to grasp the opportunity to join hands and map the future of Asia, Jiang added. Pre-Olympics Evictions and Demolitions -------------- ¶8. Responding to a question on a report by a Geneva-based NGO claiming that that there have been 1.25 million evictions in Beijing because of Olympic preparations, Jiang refuted the numbers and asserted that 6,037 households had been demolished since 2002 with all evictees receiving just compensation and none being forced to move from Beijing. International Environment Day, China's Plan -------------- ¶9. The spirit of the Third International Environment Day is that everybody has responsibility to protect the environment, Jiang said replying to allegations that China hides behind per capita emissions numbers and a question on details of the recently announced climate change plan. China places importance on environmental protection and has set relevant goals in the 11th Five-Year Plan, said Jiang, adding that the recently issued plan demonstrates that China is a developing country responsibly dealing with climate change within the framework of sustainable development and in line with UNFCCC guidelines. Developed countries have greater responsibility for climate change and the problem cannot be effectively addressed without their efforts to limit emissions and provide clean technology transfer to the developing world. Visits: Suriname VP, Cuba Parliament Head, Burma -------------- --- ¶10. At the invitation of VP Zeng, Suriname VP Sardjoe will visit June 10-15. A delegation including the Cuban Parliament President is visiting Beijing at the invitation of the National People's Congress and information has been released, said Jiang when asked for details. A high-level Burmese delegation currently in Beijing is not being hosted by the MFA. Whether China will move its Embassy in Burma to the new capital is an internal affair of Burma, replied Jiang responding to a follow-up question. PICCUTA