JULY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004483

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC KS KN JA PM GT PA AS DR RS VT
IT, CH
SUBJECT: JULY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,
AUSTRALIAN DEFENSE PAPER, TAIWAN FM TRIP, PAPAL LETTER,
WORLD BANK POLLUTION REPORT, JAPAN, EU FREE MARKET STATUS,
PAKISTAN


1. Key points at the July 5 MFA Press Conference were:

-- It is imperative for all sides to fulfill commitments to
denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula and China holds an open
attitude toward the resumption of Six-Party Talks.

-- China hopes Defense Minister Nelson's upcoming visit will
strengthen exchanges, increase mutual trust and allow
Australia to make an objective judgment of China's
development goals.

-- The United States should not allow or encourage
"splittist" activities in the United States.

-- Relevant departments in China are cooperating with the
World Bank on research for a World Bank report on pollution.

Denuclearization Commitments Must Be Fulfilled
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2. At the July 5 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin
Gang repeated that China holds an open attitude toward
resumption of the Six-Party Talks, saying that the relevant
information would be released in due course. Qin stressed
that it is imperative for all sides to fulfill commitments to
denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula when asked if Yongbyon
must be shut down in order for the Talks to restart. Asked
about reports that the Russian FM has called for a meeting of
the Six-Party Talks Heads of Delegation, Qin replied that the
MFA has noticed the remarks and are in communication with the
relevant parties. The spokesman gave no information on FM
Yang's trip to the DPRK.

Australian Def. Minister's Visit, 2007 Defense Paper
-------------- --------------


3. China hopes Defense Minister Nelson's upcoming visit will
strengthen exchanges, increase mutual trust and allow
Australia to make an objective judgment of China's
development goals, Qin replied when asked about the visit.
Commenting on Australia's 2007 Defense Paper, which according
to reporters calls China's rapid military expansion a threat
to stability in Asia, the spokesman emphasized the defensive
nature of China's defense policy, quoted Australian officials
praise and encouragement for China's growth and development
and called for consistency in relevant countries' foreign
policy.

Taiwan FM Annette Lu's Trip to Central America
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4. China calls on the United States to abide by commitments
in the joint communiques with China to oppose "Taiwan
independence" and not allow or encourage "splittist"
activities in the United States, said the spokesman when
asked about Taiwan "Foreign Minister" Annette Lu's trip to
Guatemala, Panama, Paraguay and the Dominican Republic.

Cooperation with World Bank on Pollution Report
-------------- --


5. Relevant departments in China are cooperating with the
World Bank on research for a World Bank report on pollution,
Qin said responding to questions on reports that China asked
the World Bank to withhold statistis on premature deaths in
China caused by polltion. Qin added that the research has
not cocluded and the report has not yet been released,
before referring reporters to the relevant departments for
further details.

No Further Comments on Pope's Letter
--------------


6. The spokesman again referred reporters to his previous
statements on the matter, when asked to comment on criticism
in the Hong Kong media that the Pope's letter to Chinese
Catholics is an obstacle to progress in China-Vatican
relations.


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New Japanese Defense Minister's Ties to Taiwan?
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7. Qin spoke positively on China and Japan's consensus for
cooperation and promotion of the bilateral relationship, when
asked about Japan's new Defense Minister Yuriko Koike. He
said that regardless of a person's political party or views,
he or she must serve his or her nation's interests upon
assuming a high government position, when asked about reports
that Yuriko Koike has close ties to Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan.
Qin expressed hope that Japan would properly handle the
Taiwan question and uphold its commitments in the two sides'
three political documents.

Illegal Border Crosser in Jilin
--------------


8. Qin reiterated China's consistent stance on illegal border
crossers and intention to fulfill obligations to relevant
countries on such issues, when asked about reports of an
illegal border crosser robbing Chinese citizens at gun point
near the DPRK border in Jilin Province.

Lal Masjid, EU Market Status, Hostages in Vegas
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9. China supports the Pakistani Government's measures taken
to safeguard social stability and economic development, said
Qin when asked about the Lal Masjid Mosque situation in
Islamabad. Asked for information on reports that Italian PM
Prodi promised China to push for the EU's granting China
"free market status," Qin replied that such recognition would
benefit both China and the EU and promote the development of
the two side's economic relations. The spokesman was not
aware of reports on a Chinese acrobat group held hostage in
Las Vegas.
RANDT