JULY 10 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, U.S.

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004577 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC KS KN BM PK NG IZ AF CH SUBJECT: JULY 10 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, U.S. CHARGES OF SPYING, WEAPONS SALES, BURMA, ZHENG XIAOYU EXECUTION, PAKISTAN MOSQUE SIEGE, KIDNAPPING IN NIGER, CLIMATE CHANGE, MORE ¶1. Key points at the July 10 MFA Press Conference were: -- China hopes for a Heads of Delegation meeting in "mid-July," but setting a date requires the consent of all parties. -- China calls for immediate corrective action in response to reports of an FBI advertisement in San Francisco local newspapers requesting information about Chinese espionage activities. -- The spokesman denied hearing anything about United States defense officials' complaints of Chinese weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan. -- China supports the UN's efforts and hopes to see stability in Burma, but believes the situation does not threaten regional stability and should be solved internally. -- The execution of former State Food and Drug Administration head Zheng Xiaoyu demonstrates China's firm commitment to fighting corruption. China Hopes for Delegation Heads Meeting in Mid-July -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the July 10 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin Gang said China hopes for a Heads of Delegation meeting in "mid-July," but setting a date requires the consent of all parties. Qin stressed that it is imperative for all sides to fulfill commitments as determined in the Joint Document, when asked if China expected the Yongbyon reactor to be shut down before a Heads of Delegation meeting could take place. Asked for details on A/S Hill's trip to China, Japan and the ROK, the spokesman replied that he had no details. Qin stressed that progress must be realized gradually in response to a question of what measures would follow the implementation of the initial actions. ¶3. One's health condition is a private issue, said Qin when asked if FM Yang had made any comments on Kim Jong-il's health after Yang's visit to the DPRK last week. Espionage Accusations Groundless, Harms Relationship -------------- -------------- ¶4. China urges officials to take immediate corrective action and refrain from undermining bilateral relations and friendship, said Qin responding to reports of an FBI advertisement in San Francisco local newspapers requesting information about Chinese espionage activities. China voices its indignation and resolute opposition to these groundless accusations, Cold War mentality and spreading of the China Threat, he added. China's national security authorities act in accordance with law and would never undermine the sovereignty, territorial integrity or security of another country, Qin stated. Arms Exports Normal and Minimal -------------- ¶5. Qin had not heard anything about United States defense officials' calls mentioned by a reporter for China to better police its arms exports or the discovery of Chinese weapons in Iraq and Afghanistan, but said the majority of weapons in the region could not have come from China. China's serious and cautious normal trade in arms is in accordance with international obligations and laws and follows China's three principles on arms sales, Qin added. UNSG Burma Advisor Gambari Visit to China -------------- ¶6. The UN Secretary General's Special Advisor on Burma Gambari visited China July 8-10 at the invitation of the Chinese Government and met with EVFM Dai Bingguo and AFM Cui Tiankai to discuss issues relating to the country and UN mediation efforts. China supports the UN's efforts and hopes to see stability in Burma, but believes the situation does not threaten regional stability and should be solved internally. BEIJING 00004577 002 OF 002 Execution of Former Food and Drug Administration Head -------------- -------------- ¶7. The matter of the Former State Food and Drug Administration chief Zheng Xiaoyu's execution is outside of the MFA spokesman's realm of responsibility, said Qin when asked to confirm the execution. Qin noted though that the case demonstrates China's firm commitment to fighting corruption. Pakistan Mosque Siege, Killing of Chinese Citizens -------------- -------------- ¶8. The MFA has taken note of developments, believes the Pakistani Government is capable of handling the issue properly and hopes for stability in Pakistan, said Qin when asked for comment on Government forces' raid on in the Lal Masjid Mosque in Islamabad. On the issue of three Chinese citizens murdered in Pakistan's Northwest Territories, Qin stated that China attaches great importance to the issue and made immediate representation to the Pakistani Government. He reminded Chinese citizens abroad to be aware of such dangers and take necessary precautions. Chinese Citizen Kidnapped in Niger -------------- ¶9. Chinese relevant authorities are doing their best to save a Chinese citizen taken hostage in Niger, who is currently safe, said Qin when asked about the incident. Responding to the reporter's suggestion that the Niger Rebels for Justice orchestrated the kidnapping because of the Chinese company for which the Chinese citizen works is helping fund weapons sales that harm civilians in Niger, the spokesman remarked that China-Niger economic cooperation is based on equality and is beneficial to both sides and reaffirmed China's principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of other nations. China an Equal Player in Fighting Climate Change -------------- --- ¶10. The cornerstone for international action on climate change is the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and China's responsibilities as a developing country are based on development level and country situation, said Qin in clarifying for reporters the application of tis principle to China. Developed countries should take the lead with assistance and technology transfer to enable developing countries meet their goals. China is open and positive toward cooperating with the international community. Asked why China led efforts to keep climate change out of the discussion at the recent G8 meeting, Qin responded that China is ready to work with the developing countries as an equal participant and to have a dialogue with the G8 countries on an equal footing to deal with issues of climate change and sustainable development. Chinese Exports, Space Development -------------- ¶11. China attaches great important to the safety and quality of its exports, will take joint efforts to solve recent problems and hopes the international community can objectively and calmly treat this issue, Qin replied when asked about recent controversy in this area. Asked about a Canadian defense paper which mentioned China's developing capabilities in space, Qin said MFA officials had already commented on the issue and he had nothing more to add. RANDT