SEPTEMBER 20 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 006198 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV SENV CH JA KN KS RS TW IS GZ GM ZI, CW, LE SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 20 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, DPRK VFM KIM VISIT, BEIRUT BOMBING, HAMAS SANCTIONS, DALAI LAMA, CLIMATE CHANGE, ZIMBABWE, TAIWAN ¶1. Key points at the September 20 MFA Press Briefing were: -- No new date has been set for the Six-Party Talks and Chinese heavy fuel assistance to the DPRK is under "active preparation and implementation." -- DPRK VFM Kim Yong-il met with VFM Wu Dawei in Beijing on September 18 and is currently visiting cities "outside Beijing." -- China condemns the September 19 bombing in Beirut. -- China is "concerned" over Israeli designation of Hamas as a "Hostile Entity" and subsequent sanctions. -- China is against the Dalai Lama's "splittist" activities and opposes any country's use of the Dalai Lama issue to interfere in China's internal affairs. -- VISITS: Prime Minister Jim Marurai of the Cook Islands will pay an official visit September 24-30. No Date Set for 6PT, Heavy Fuel Assistance Underway -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the September 20 regular MFA press briefing, spokeswoman Jiang Yu told reporters she has not yet received a specific date for the Six-Party Talks, when asked about ROK media reports that the talks would resume September 27. Chinese heavy fuel assistance to the DPRK is under "active preparation and implementation," Jiang said. DPRK VFM Kim Yong-il in China -------------- ¶3. Jiang confirmed that VFM Wu Dawei met with DPRK VFM Kim Yong-il on September 18 to exchange views on the bilateral relationship. VFM Kim told VFM Wu that the North Korean Workers' Party and Government attach great importance to the China-DPRK relationship, said Jiang. VFM Kim is currently visiting cities "outside Beijing." Condemnation of Beirut Bombing -------------- ¶4. China "condemns" the September 19 bombing in Beirut, said the spokeswoman. Jiang expressed "sincere hope" that parties in Lebanon can realize conciliation through consultation and dialogue in the interest of stability and development. "Concern" Over Hamas's "Hostile Entity" Designation -------------- -------------- ¶5. China is "concerned" over Israeli designation of Hamas as a "Hostile Entity" and the subsequent sanctions on the Gaza Strip, stated Jiang, adding that such sanctions will lead to further tensions and will affect the humanitarian situation. Dalai Lama Represents a "Splittist Force" -------------- ¶6. China has expressed its solemn position to Germany, said Jiang in response to a question on why China opposes the Dalai Lama's visit to Germany and what effect the visit will have on Sino-German relations. She remarked that countries are fully aware "what kind of person" the Dalai Lama is from his activities. The Dalai Lama is not a "purely religious figure," but a "political exile" engaged in activities aimed at "splitting the Motherland under the name of religion," she continued. Jiang said that the Dalai Lama's activities are not just those of an individual, but rather he represents a "splittist force." China is against his "splittist" activities in any country and opposes any country's use of the Dalai Lama issue to interfere in China's internal affairs. Climate Change -------------- ¶7. International cooperation on climate change should proceed under the "main framework" and principles defined in the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol recognized and accepted by the international BEIJING 00006198 002 OF 002 community, stated Jiang. China holds that countries should follow the principle of common but differentiated responsibility. Developed countries should take the lead in reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and developing nations should also make efforts "within the line of sustainable development," said Jiang, adding that China will continue its efforts to reduce GHG emissions and increase its capacity to meet the challenge of climate change. Zimbabwe Should Decide Own Situation -------------- ¶8. China's relationship with Zimbabwe is founded on the basis of the five principles of peaceful coexistence, and the situation in Zimbabwe should be decided by the Zimbabwean people and Government, stated Jiang when asked to clarify Special Envoy Liu Guijin and the Chinese Ambassador to Zimbabwe's conflicting comments on what aid China is giving to Zimbabwe. Jiang said that countries should make constructive efforts to Zimbabwe's development. No Comment on Taiwan Issues -------------- ¶9. The spokeswoman said questions on a Taiwan letter to the Beijing Olympic Committee regarding the Olympic torch route and the refusal of Taiwan Vice Premier Chiou I-jen to attend the Fourth Women's Soccer Forum in Shanghai were outside her realm of responsibility and should be referred to the relevant organs. Cook Islands PM Visit September 24-30 -------------- ¶10. Prime Minister Jim Marurai of the Cook Islands will pay an official visit September 24-30 at the invitation of PM Wen Jiabao, Jiang announced. Randt