JUNE 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004357 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC KS KN JA IZ VT SP CH SUBJECT: JUNE 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES, SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-IRAQ COOPERATION, US HOUSE ON COMFORT WOMEN, SCO, STRATEGIC DIALOGUE BEIJING 00004357 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. Key points at the June 28 MFA Press Conference were: -- The MFA noticed reports of DPRK missile launches yesterday and the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers discussed the Korean nuclear issue over the phone this morning. -- China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said the spokesman when asked about reports that President Talabani agreed to buy police weapons from China. -- FM Yang will visit the Kyrgyzstan July 7-8 and will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council meeting on July 9. -- The MFA touted the success of the 4th Strategic Dialogue in Washington. DPRK Missile Launches, Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶2. At the June 28 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang stated the MFA has noticed reports of DPRK missile launches yesterday when asked for comment on the matter and said that the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers discussed the Korean nuclear issue over the phone this morning. Qin reiterated China's hope that all parties can maintain the positive momentum made in the Six-Party Talks and implement the initial actions at an early date. Arms Sales to Iraq, Active in Reconstruction -------------- ¶3. China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said Qin when asked about reports that Iraqi President Talabani has agreed to buy police weapons from China. China hopes Iraq maintains its sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Qin added. Japan Has Historic Responsbility to Resolve Issues -------------- -------------- ¶4. China's consistent position on comfort women and forced labor during World War II is that Japan should take a responsible attitude toward history to appropriately, earnestly and truthfully deal with these issues, said Qin in response to questions on the recent House Foreign Affairs Committee resolution urging a formal apology to comfort women and a ruling by Japan's Sapporo High Court rejecting redress demands. FM Yang to Kyrgyzstan, SCO FM Council -------------- ¶5. At the invitation of Kyrgyzstan FM Atambaev, FM Yang will pay a visit July 7-8 to meet with leaders and discuss bilateral and regional issues. On July 9, FM Yang will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council meeting in Bishkek to prepare for the August SCO Summit and exchange ideas on deepening cooperation between member states. Strategic Dialogue a Success -------------- ¶6. The successful 4th United States-China Strategic Dialogue was conducive to increasing mutual understanding and trust and further developing the constructive bilateral partnership, commented the spokesman on the meetings. Judging from the United States' reaction, both countries have a common view on the success of the Dialogue, in added, which included discussions on bilateral and international issues of common interest. MFA Refutes Remarks that Hong Kong is "Caged Bird" -------------- -------------- ¶7. Under the successful policy of Hong Kong self rule, the region has witnessed economic prosperity and improved living standards and enjoys internationally recognized democracy and freedom, Qin stated in response to a remark by Chen Shui-bian that over the last ten years Hong Kong has been like a bird in a cage with no democracy and limited freedom. Pandas for Spain, Vatican Letter, MFA Audit -------------- BEIJING 00004357 002.2 OF 002 ¶8. The spokesman remarked that two panda bears given to Spain would serve as "envoys of the Chinese people" in promoting friendly Sino-Spanish relations. China's stance based on "the two principles" toward the Vatican is consistent and clear, said Qin when asked for comment on the Pope's intention to send an open letter to Chinese Catholics. Qin confirmed that the MFA had completed an audit by the Auditor-General providing no further details, when asked by a reporter if the MFA had misused or embezzled funds. RANDT