OCTOBER 11 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BURMA, ARREST OF

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 006607 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV CH BM KN KS JA VE CO SUBJECT: OCTOBER 11 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BURMA, ARREST OF DPRK ASYLUM SEEKERS, DALAI LAMA AND MORE ¶1. Key points at the October 11 MFA Press Briefing: -- The situation in Burma is "relaxing" and is "turning in a good direction." The international community should offer "constructive" help to allow Burma to realize stability, reconciliation, democracy and development. -- ROK consulate officials "obstructed" Chinese police during the October 9 incident at the Korean International School and "violated" the Vienna Convention. Chinese security forces acted properly in the handling of "four unidentified people" who broke into the campus. -- The PRC "resolutely opposes" the awarding of the Congressional Gold Medal to the Dalai Lama and has made "solemn" representations to make this position clear to the USG. Burma Unrest -------------- ¶2. At the October 11 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu Jinchao said the situation in Burma (referred to as "Myanmar") has "relaxed" and is "turning in a good direction." The international community should help Burma in "a constructive way" to realize stability, reconciliation, democracy and development. The international community should also try to be helpful in the mediation efforts led by the UN Secretary General. (Note: This was mistranslated at the press conference as EU Secretary General.) Arrest of DPRK Asylum Seekers at Korean School -------------- - ¶3. Chinese police, Liu said, received a report on October 9 of "four unidentified people" in the Korean International School in Beijing. Chinese public security authorities handled the matter "properly" in order to preserve "normal order" and the safety and security of faculty and students. ROK consular officials, however, "obstructed" police in disregard of international law and "violated" the Vienna Convention. The case is under investigation and will be handled properly according to law, Liu added. Dalai Lama Gold Medal -------------- ¶4. China "resolutely opposes" the decision by the United States Congress to award the Dalai Lama with the "so-called" Gold Medal. China has made "solemn" representations to make this position clear to the USG. China opposes "interference" by any country or person in China's internal affairs under the name of religion. China-Japan Consultation on East China Sea -------------- ¶5. The 10th Round of Sino-Japanese consultations on the East China Sea took place October 11 in Beijing. MFA Department of Asian Affairs Director General Hu Zhengyue is heading the Chinese delegation while Kenichiro Sasae, Director General of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, is leading the talks for Japan. China will press ahead in a "pro-active" and "pragmatic" manner to reach a plan acceptable to both sides. Liu said the Chinese government hopes Japan can "meet us halfway." Exchange Rate, EU-China Economic Dialogue -------------- ¶6. A Bloomberg reporter asked Liu whether China would be willing to host a meeting with EU Finance Ministers along the lines of the U.S.-China Strategic Economic Dialogue. Liu responded that China will continue to reform the RMB exchange rate regime. There are some countries, including the EU, that have concerns about the exchange rate and China is ready to discuss and consult with them on the basis of equality. Liu, however, said questions regarding a possible EU-China economic dialogue should be directed to other "relevant authorities." Six-Party Talks, U.S. Team of Experts -------------- ¶7. Liu said he was unaware of any discussions between BEIJING 00006607 002 OF 002 Chinese officials and members of the U.S. team of experts traveling to Pyongyang today. Liu said he thought the USG would "exchange views" with the other parties in the Six-Party Talks in "due time." Taiwan: Don't Use the "P" Word -------------- ¶8. Liu referred a question on China's reaction to Taiwan's Double Ten military parade to the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO). Liu chastised another reporter for referring to Taiwan "President" Chen Shui-bian. The term "president" is "inconsistent with Taiwan's status," Liu said, adding that "I have no comment on this kind of person." Colombian Peace Process -------------- ¶9. Asked about the efforts of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to mediate between the Colombian government and rebel groups, Liu said the PRC has been following closely the Colombian peace process and welcomes efforts by Colombia, Venezuela and the international community to bring about the early release of hostages. Piccuta