JUNE 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: AMERICAN TARIFFS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003948 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM ETRD KOLY KPAL GE KS KN SU IR AS CH SUBJECT: JUNE 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: AMERICAN TARIFFS, SENIOR DIALOGUE, BDA AND A/S HILL, AFRICA AND DARFUR, OLYMPIC CHILD LABOR, HUMAN RIGHTS, DALAI LAMA TO AUSTRALIA, PALESTINE FM VISIT ¶1. Key points at the June 12 MFA Press Conference were: -- China opposes politicization of economic issues and will respond if Congress drafts legislation raising tariffs on Chinese goods. -- EVFM Dai will meet Deputy Secretary Negroponte for the 4th Strategic Dialogue June 20-21 in Washington. -- The spokesman deflected questions on a possible visit by A/S Hill in the near future. -- China values African development and its Special Envoy may meet American Special Envoy Natsios to discuss Darfur. -- Criticism of child labor laws and the Olympics is being investigated, but MFA believes a report on China's "state secrets" law is unfounded. SIPDIS -- The Spokesman criticized Australia for allowing a visit by the Dalai Lama, said he would research questions about China-Iran cooperation on a strategic oil reserve and dismissed speculation about the coming 17th Party Congress. -- The Palestinian Authority FM and UNGA President will visit in the next week. Economic Issues Should Not Be Politicized -------------- ¶2. At the June 12 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang argued that economic issues must not be politicized, while emphasizing the win-win relationship of U.S.-China trade in response to a question on possible American legislation that would raise tariffs on Chinese goods. If such legislation is announced, "relevant authorities in China will have their responses," Qin said. He touted the consensus reached and successes achieved at the recent SED in Washington. 4th Strategic Dialogue an "Important Platform" -------------- - ¶3. EVFM Dai will meet Deputy Secretary Negroponte for the 4th Strategic Dialogue June 20-21 in Washington, Qin announced. During the Dialogue, which Qin called an important platform for communication between the two sides, delegations will exchange views on the bilateral relationship and other regional and international issues. Six-Party Talks; Possible A/S Hill Visit -------------- ¶4. Asked if A/S Hill had plans to return to Beijing in the near future and for any news on efforts to solve the BDA issue and restart the Six-Party Talks, Qin reiterated China's hope that the relevant parties can solve the relevant issues at and early date so as to implement the initial actions and push forward with the Talks. On efforts to solve the BDA issues, the spokesman said he had no specifics and that further consultation was required. Africa Development at the G-8, Darfur -------------- ¶5. Asked about a G-8 session on African development, Qin emphasized China's efforts in poverty relief and development in Africa, but did not answer whether China had attended. He noted President Hu's elaboration of China's ideas on African development and narrowing the north-south wealth gap at the summit. On the topic of Darfur, Qin reiterated China's call for the issue to be solved through dialogue and consultation and praised the joint peace-keeping efforts carried out so far. Qin noted Special Envoy Liu Guijin's efforts to resolve the Darfur issue when asked if Liu would meet American Special Envoy Natsios soon. Criticism of Child Labor, State Secrets Laws -------------- ¶6. China protects the rights of workers, has ratified four of the eight International Labor Organization's conventions and BEIJING 00003948 002 OF 002 is studying the other four, Qin said responding to questions about an NGO report that China uses child labor to produce 2008 Olympics-related products. China requires manufacturers of Olympics products to strictly follow all labor and IPR regulations, he added. The Beijing Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games is investigating these reports. ¶7. The Chinese Government protects the freedom of speech, governs in accordance with law and puts the people first while working to increase transparency and access to information, said Qin responding to a Human Rights in China report that state secrets laws are restrictive. No country has complete transparency and the purpose of these critical reports is difficult to understand, he added. Dalai Lama Australia Visit -------------- ¶8. The Dalai Lama is a "splittist" in exile, not a simple religious leader and China is against any country providing a platform for his activities, stated Qin commenting on the Dalai Lama's planned visit to Australia. China has made representations to Australia expressing its concerns and dissatisfaction and hopes Australia will recognize the nature of the issue for the development of bilateral relations. Hope for EU to Grant China Market Economy Status -------------- --- ¶9. Qin expressed hope that the EU can recognize China's market economy status, noting China's accession into the WTO and the fact that 56 countries to date have granted China such status. Asked about an EU-China Joint Trade Ministerial Meeting and China's hopes for EU-China cooperation, the spokesman emphasized the current "good momentum" in EU-China relations but stressed the desire for raising cooperation to a high level in a broader range of issues. He referred a question on dialogue between the EU and Chinese Trade Ministers to the Ministry of Commerce. Iran-China Strategic Oil Reserve? -------------- ¶10. The MFA is currently checking on reports that Iran and China are cooperating to establish a strategic oil reserve and cannot confirm such reports. VP Zeng to Retire at 17th Party Congress? -------------- ¶11. The spokesman asked the media not to make groundless guesses regarding matters of the 17th Party Congress in response to a question on whether VP Zeng would retire at the upcoming Congress. Visits: Palestine FM, UNGA President -------------- ¶12. At the invitation of FM Yang the Palestinian Authority FM will visit China June 16 to discuss issues of mutual interest. China hopes the visit will further develop friendly bilateral ties. China welcomes the international community's efforts and will continue to promote the Middle East peace process and a proper solution to the Palestine issue based on UN resolutions and the peaceful existence of two states, he said. ¶13. UN General Assembly President Haya will visit June 19-24 and will attend the 10th meeting of the International Association of Economic and Social Councils and Similar Institutions (IAESCSI). RANDT