JUNE 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004010 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM EFIN KJUS KS KN RS PO VM NU IZ JP, CH SUBJECT: JUNE 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, NICARAGUA-CHINA RELATIONS, IRAQI PRESIDENT VISIT, JLG MEETINGS, PENTAGON REPORT, EMISSIONS STANDARDS, CHINA-EU SUMMIT ¶1. Key points at the June 14 MFA Press Conference were: -- China has taken note of reports indicating the imminent transfer of North Korean funds from Macau's Banco Delta Asia and hopes relevant parties take steps toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. -- Not responding directly to questions regarding a possible switch in Nicaragua's diplomatic relations from Taiwan to China, the spokesman said only that China is prepared to have normal diplomatic relations with any country. -- Iraqi President Talabani will visit China on June 20-26. -- China is taking steps to combat climate change, but believes setting CO2 emission limits for developing countries is unacceptable. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶2. At the June 14 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang said that China has taken note of relevant parties' efforts to resolve the BDA issue and hopes that resolution of this issue can advance the Six-Party Talks process. China hopes that all of the parties have the will to implement initial actions toward the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Possible Nicaraguan Recognition Switch? -------------- ¶3. Asked to respond to press reports that Nicaragua is considering switching diplomatic recognition from Taiwan to China, Qin said that China is prepared to have normal relations with any country and hopes more countries will follow the "trend of the times." Iraqi President to Visit China -------------- ¶4. Qin announced that Iraqi President Talabani will visit China June 20-26. President Talabani will hold talks with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and National People's Congress Chairman Wu Bangguo. President Talabani will visit the cities of Xian and Nanjing and is expected to sign agreements related to health and education. Joint Liaison Group Meetings -------------- ¶5. Qin confirmed that United States and Beijing officials are meeting to discuss a variety of law enforcement cooperation issues, including anti-corruption, counterterrorism, immigration and legal assistance. China hopes to expand cooperation on security with all relevant countries. When asked about the possibility of concluding an extradition treaty between the United States and China, Qin said that China favors such treaties and is ready to discuss it. However, he said, China hopes that the United States recognizes China's concerns so that agreement on such a treaty can be reached. When asked to elaborate on these concerns, Qin said China wants corrupt Chinese officials to be extradited at an early date from the United States so that they may face justice. Report on China's Military "Irresponsible" -------------- ¶6. The Pentagon report on China's military is "irresponsible," Qin said. China's military is peaceful, transparent and open. China hopes the United States will uphold the one-China principle and stop selling weapons to Taiwan. China is ready to enhance mutual understanding and trust by increasing military exchanges, he added. Anti-Communism not in Vogu, CCP Positive Force -------------- -- ¶7. When asked to comment on the U.S. memorial to victims of communism, Qin said the United States should abandon its Cold War mentality and stop interfering in China's internal affairs. The Chinese Communist Party is a strong force that is building democracy and prosperity and safeguarding world peace, he stated. BEIJING 00004010 002 OF 002 China-Vietnam Territorial Claims -------------- ¶8. China hopes Vietnam will stop exploration activities and unilateral actions around the Nansha Islands, which are China's undisputable sovereign territory, stated Qin. China's believes a "proper solution" to this issue must be found through consultations and joint-development, he added. Emissions Limits -------------- ¶9. Although China is a minor polluter compared to developed countries, Qin claimed, China understands that combating climate change requires global action and is acting responsibly. However, setting CO2 emissions limits for developing countries is unacceptable, said Qin. Industrialization by developed countries is the main reason for climate change, he said. RANDT