JUNE 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: A/S HILL AND FM YANG'S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004190 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL SENV KS KN IZ MG JA SU ID NL CH SUBJECT: JUNE 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: A/S HILL AND FM YANG'S TRAVELS TO DPRK, CLIMATE CHANGE, DARFUR, IRAQI PRESIDENT'S VISIT, MORE ¶1. Key points at the June 21 MFA Press Conference were: -- China hopes A/S Hill's visit to the DPRK will help to implement he Initial Actions Agreement and to improve Unied States-DPRK relations. -- FM Yang will visit the DPRK July 2-4. -- Population and developed nations' contributions to global warming should be considered when addressing global climate change. -- VFM Zhang Yesui will attend peace talks on the Darfur issue in Paris. -- Iraqi President Talibani will meet with President Hu during his upcoming visit. -- The spokesman said China's military spending is "not a threat," criticized comments from Japan that minimize the Nanjing Massacre, said Mekong River cooperation is tangible and called China's cooperation with the ILO "sound." A/S Hill to Visit DPRK -------------- ¶2. At the June 21 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang said the MFA is aware of A/S Hill's visit to the DPRK today, but gave no information about his agenda. China hopes the visit will be conducive to the implementation of the Initial Actions Agreement and to the improvement of United States-DPRK relations. The date for the next round of Six Party Talks is still under negotiation. ¶3. FM Yang will visit the DPRK July 2-4 to discuss the Korean nuclear issue and other international issues of interest. Qin stated that "relevant MFA department heads" will accompany FM Yang and that the details of FM Yang's meetings are still being discussed with the DPRK. FM Yang will visit Mongolia June 30-July 2 and Indonesia July 4-5 on the same trip. View Climate Change "Calmly and Objectively" -------------- ¶4. Per capita emissions and the historical contributions of developed nations to global warming should be considered, Qin said when asked about Dutch Government reports that China's carbon dioxide emissions have surpassed those of the United States. Qin pointed out that the Netherlands' per capita emissions are three times those of China's and emphasized that much of the economic production that benefits developed nations has moved to developing nations like China, making it unfair to put excess blame on China for climate change. China takes a responsible attitude toward climate change and emissions reductions, looks forward to making joint efforts with the international community and hopes the international community can view the issue calmly and objectively. VFM Zhang to Attend Darfur Talks in Paris -------------- ¶5. VFM Zhang Yesui will attend the upcoming Darfur talks in Paris and elaborate on China's position in a comprehensive way, Qin said. Iraqi President Visit -------------- ¶6. Iraq President Talabani will attend a welcome ceremony hosted by President Hu then meet with PM Wen and NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo to exchange ideas on bilateral relations and issues of common interest, Qin replied when asked for details on the visit and any plans for new Chinese investments in Iraq. China supports and participates in Iraq reconstruction and has provided 15 million RMB in aid, debt relief and training, Qin added. Military Spending "Not a Threat" -------------- ¶7. China follows the road of peaceful development and has a BEIJING 00004190 002 OF 002 reasonable military budget to allow for territorial defense and the promotion of regional stability and common development, said Qin in response to criticism that increased military expenditures are turning China into a strategic threat to the United States. China hopes stronger military exchanges will increase mutual trust. Japan Lacks Courage to Recognize History -------------- ¶8. Asked about reports that Japanese lawmakers are downplaying the "Nanjing Massacre" prior to that incident's seventieth anniversary, the spokesman said such reports expose Japan's lack of courage to recognize history and break with the past. "Compelling evidence" supports the view that the Japanese military committed an "atrocious crime" in which Chinese died. Qin criticized individuals in Japan for trying to erase history. Mekong River Cooperation Results "Tangible" -------------- China participates in regional cooperation around the Mekong River through a mechanism including Vietnam and other countries, said Qin commenting on reports about a new bridge and a direct land route connecting Bangkok and China. Discussions on future cooperation are ongoing in fields including transportation, information, environmental protection and resource utilization. "Sound Cooperation" with ILO -------------- ¶9. China and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have sound cooperation, said Qin hen asked if international labor groups would be allowed to investigate a recent incident at a Shanxi brick factory. Qin had no information on international groups investigating the incident and referred questions to proper authorities. China attaches great importance to the incident and is taking measures to bring the perpetrators to justice, he added. PICCUTA