Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING6732
2007-10-18 09:54:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
OCTOBER 18 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DALAI LAMA VISIT
how-toVZCZCXRO2870 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #6732/01 2910954 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 180954Z OCT 07 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2897 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RUEHAK/AMEMBASSY ANKARA 0349 RUEHHI/AMEMBASSY HANOI 3669 RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 8823 RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 4453 RUEHGO/AMEMBASSY RANGOON 4628 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 1613 RUEHROV/AMEMBASSY VATICAN 0108
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 006732
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH BM TU VM VT IN RS KN
SUBJECT: OCTOBER 18 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DALAI LAMA VISIT
AND FALLOUT, VATICAN RELATIONS, SIX PT, JAPAN, VIETNAM
BEIJING 00006732 001.2 OF 003
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 006732
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH BM TU VM VT IN RS KN
SUBJECT: OCTOBER 18 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DALAI LAMA VISIT
AND FALLOUT, VATICAN RELATIONS, SIX PT, JAPAN, VIETNAM
BEIJING 00006732 001.2 OF 003
1. Key points at the October 18 MFA Press Briefing:
-- China regards the Dalai Lama's visit to the United States
as blatant interference in China's internal affairs that has
greatly undermined the relationship between the United States
and China. FM Yang strongly protested the visit in an
October 18 meeting with the U.S. Ambassador.
-- China is willing establish diplomatic relations with the
Vatican if the Vatican ends diplomatic recognition of Taiwan
and stops interfering in China's internal affairs in the name
of religion.
-- The implementation of the October 3 joint statement is a
sign of the progress of the Six Party Talks.
-- China has noted investigations of embezzlement at the
Japanese company responsible for the disposal of abandoned
chemical weapons in China. China hopes the allegations will
not affect weapons disposal and that Japan will settle the
issue quickly.
-- China congratulates Vietnam on its election to the UN
Security Council and welcomes improved relations between
Vietnam and North Korea.
-- China's interactions in Burma have been "responsible" and
"constructive."
-- Regarding the Turkish Parliament's authorization of a
deployment of troops to Iraq, China hopes the "relevant
parties" in Iraq can solve the "relevant issues" through
dialogue and consultation.
-- Visit: The Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India
will meet October 24 in Harbin, China to explore "further
cooperation" on political, economic, regional and
international issues.
Dalai Lama Visit Has "Greatly Undermined" Relations
-------------- --------------
2. At the October 18 regular MFA press briefing, MFA
Spokesman Liu Jianchao said the Dalai Lama's meetings with
senior U.S. officials and his receiving of the Congressional
Gold Medal were "blatant interference in China's internal
affairs" that "severely hurt the feelings of the Chinese
people" and "greatly undermined the relationship" between the
United States and China. Liu said FM Yang had on October 18
strongly protested the visit to Ambassador Randt. (Note: Liu
was present at the meeting in which Foreign Minister Yang
protested the Dalai Lama,s U.S. visit to the Ambassador )
septel.) Liu said that Tibet is an inseparable part of
China, that Tibet is a "wholly internal affair" of China and
that China is "resolutely opposed to any interference in
China's domestic affairs by any nation or any individual
taking advantage of the Dalai Lama issue." Liu said China
considered the Dalai Lama's meetings in Washington a serious
violation of the "fundamental norms of international
relations" and stressed China's "firm resolve to safeguard
national sovereignty and territorial integrity." He urged
the United States to "cease supporting the conniving
separatist activities of the Tibetan independence forces," to
"stop interfering in China's internal affairs," to take
"effective measures" to remove the "terrible impact of its
erroneous act" and to take "concrete steps to protect the
U.S.-China relationship." When asked about concrete
consequences, Liu reiterated that U.S. actions have
undermined the U.S.-China relationship and that the United
States should stop supporting the "conniving activities" of
separatists. When asked twice more for specific details of
the consequences, Liu replied that he had already answered
the question.
Dalai Lama is a Purely Internal Issue
--------------
3. Asked about the Dalai Lama's statements that he does not
seek independence, Liu replied that the "Chinese people know
better than anyone what kind of person the Dalai Lama is."
Liu said that in Tibet in the past there existed a system of
"serfdom" led by the Dalai Lama. Liu said that in 1959, the
Dalai Lama planned and participated in a military revolt and
since his flight abroad following his defeat he has "never
BEIJING 00006732 002.2 OF 003
ceased conniving and manipulating" Tibetans abroad to split
China. Liu said that independence is the essence of all the
Dalai Lama's claims. The Dalai Lama's statement that China
should not station troops in Tibet is "independence in
disguise." Liu further noted that "any attempt to split
China is doomed to failure." When asked if China is willing
to receive the Dalai Lama's envoys, Liu responded that the
Dalai Lama's previous actions show that he lacks sincerity.
Aftermath of the Visit
--------------
4. Asked what concrete steps China hopes the United States
will take, Liu replied that China has made representation to
the United States and that the United States is clear on what
China wants. He urged the United States to stop interfering
in China's internal affairs. Asked about President Bush's
statement that the Dalai Lama should be allowed to return to
China, Liu said that how China deals with the Dalai Lama is
China's internal affair and others should not interfere.
Asked if NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo would go to the United
States and, if not, was the cancellation related to the Dalai
Lama, Liu responded that he "hadn't heard of the
arrangement." When asked about a phone call between
President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao, Liu again
responded that he "hadn't heard of the arrangement."
Diplomatic Relations with the Vatican
--------------
5. Asked about rumors that China is willing to establish
diplomatic relations with the Vatican if it breaks diplomatic
relations with Taiwan, Liu said that China sincerely hopes
that relations can be normalized, but two preconditions
exist: first the Vatican must accept a one-China policy and
recognize Taiwan as an inseparable part of China; second, the
Vatican must stop interfering in China's internal affairs in
the name of religion.
Implementation of the Six-Party Talks Joint Statement
-------------- --------------
6. Asked about the return of the Six-Party Talks team of
experts to Beijing and the progress of the "second phase
action" to implement the October 3 joint statement, Liu said
that implementation of the joint statement is a "signal for
new and important progress in the Six-Party Talks," and China
hopes the joint statement will be smoothly implemented in a
"comprehensive, balanced way."
Embezzlement at Chemical Weapons Disposal Company
-------------- --------------
7. Liu said China has taken note of investigations of
embezzlement at Pacific Consultants International, a Japanese
company handling the disposal of abandoned chemical weapons
in China. He said that the work of dealing with abandoned
chemical weapons is important for the Chemical Weapons
Convention as well as for the memorandum of understanding
between Japan and China. He expressed hope that the
investigation will not affect the progress of the work, and
that Japan will "be responsible" and settle this issue at an
early date.
Vietnam on the UN Security Council
--------------
8. Asked to comment on Vietnam's election to the UN Security
Council (UNSC),as well as on the Secretary General of the
Vietnamese Communist Party's visit to North Korea, Liu said
that China supports and congratulates Vietnam. He added that
China has "friendly neighborly relations" with both Vietnam
and North Korea and welcomes improved relations between them.
China and Burma
--------------
9. Asked about allegations that China has been using its
influence in the UNSC to block resolutions on Burma, Liu
responded that China has been "responsible" and will continue
to be "constructive" in the region.
Turkish Troops to Northern Iraq
BEIJING 00006732 003.2 OF 003
--------------
10. Asked to comment on the Turkish Parliament's
authorization of the deployment of troops to Kurdish northern
Iraq, Liu said China follows developments in the region and
hopes the "relevant parties" can solve the "relevant issues"
through dialogue and consultation.
Political Statements during the Olympics
--------------
11. When asked if China would "condemn" athletes who made
political statements during the Olympics about topics like
Falun Gong, human rights or the Dalai Lama, Liu responded
that China welcomes athletes, trainers and other connected
with the Olympics, as well as all the world's people to come
participate, China hopes that people will bring a spirit of
fair competition to make the event a success and strengthen
friendship around the world.
Amnesty International Allegations
--------------
12. When asked about an Amnesty International report that
the Chinese government had locked up dissidents during the
17th Party Congress, Liu responded that he hadn't seen the
report.
Meeting of Three Foreign Ministers
--------------
13. Visit: The Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India
will meet October 24 in Harbin, China to explore "further
cooperation" on political, economic, regional and
international issues.
Randt
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH BM TU VM VT IN RS KN
SUBJECT: OCTOBER 18 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DALAI LAMA VISIT
AND FALLOUT, VATICAN RELATIONS, SIX PT, JAPAN, VIETNAM
BEIJING 00006732 001.2 OF 003
1. Key points at the October 18 MFA Press Briefing:
-- China regards the Dalai Lama's visit to the United States
as blatant interference in China's internal affairs that has
greatly undermined the relationship between the United States
and China. FM Yang strongly protested the visit in an
October 18 meeting with the U.S. Ambassador.
-- China is willing establish diplomatic relations with the
Vatican if the Vatican ends diplomatic recognition of Taiwan
and stops interfering in China's internal affairs in the name
of religion.
-- The implementation of the October 3 joint statement is a
sign of the progress of the Six Party Talks.
-- China has noted investigations of embezzlement at the
Japanese company responsible for the disposal of abandoned
chemical weapons in China. China hopes the allegations will
not affect weapons disposal and that Japan will settle the
issue quickly.
-- China congratulates Vietnam on its election to the UN
Security Council and welcomes improved relations between
Vietnam and North Korea.
-- China's interactions in Burma have been "responsible" and
"constructive."
-- Regarding the Turkish Parliament's authorization of a
deployment of troops to Iraq, China hopes the "relevant
parties" in Iraq can solve the "relevant issues" through
dialogue and consultation.
-- Visit: The Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India
will meet October 24 in Harbin, China to explore "further
cooperation" on political, economic, regional and
international issues.
Dalai Lama Visit Has "Greatly Undermined" Relations
-------------- --------------
2. At the October 18 regular MFA press briefing, MFA
Spokesman Liu Jianchao said the Dalai Lama's meetings with
senior U.S. officials and his receiving of the Congressional
Gold Medal were "blatant interference in China's internal
affairs" that "severely hurt the feelings of the Chinese
people" and "greatly undermined the relationship" between the
United States and China. Liu said FM Yang had on October 18
strongly protested the visit to Ambassador Randt. (Note: Liu
was present at the meeting in which Foreign Minister Yang
protested the Dalai Lama,s U.S. visit to the Ambassador )
septel.) Liu said that Tibet is an inseparable part of
China, that Tibet is a "wholly internal affair" of China and
that China is "resolutely opposed to any interference in
China's domestic affairs by any nation or any individual
taking advantage of the Dalai Lama issue." Liu said China
considered the Dalai Lama's meetings in Washington a serious
violation of the "fundamental norms of international
relations" and stressed China's "firm resolve to safeguard
national sovereignty and territorial integrity." He urged
the United States to "cease supporting the conniving
separatist activities of the Tibetan independence forces," to
"stop interfering in China's internal affairs," to take
"effective measures" to remove the "terrible impact of its
erroneous act" and to take "concrete steps to protect the
U.S.-China relationship." When asked about concrete
consequences, Liu reiterated that U.S. actions have
undermined the U.S.-China relationship and that the United
States should stop supporting the "conniving activities" of
separatists. When asked twice more for specific details of
the consequences, Liu replied that he had already answered
the question.
Dalai Lama is a Purely Internal Issue
--------------
3. Asked about the Dalai Lama's statements that he does not
seek independence, Liu replied that the "Chinese people know
better than anyone what kind of person the Dalai Lama is."
Liu said that in Tibet in the past there existed a system of
"serfdom" led by the Dalai Lama. Liu said that in 1959, the
Dalai Lama planned and participated in a military revolt and
since his flight abroad following his defeat he has "never
BEIJING 00006732 002.2 OF 003
ceased conniving and manipulating" Tibetans abroad to split
China. Liu said that independence is the essence of all the
Dalai Lama's claims. The Dalai Lama's statement that China
should not station troops in Tibet is "independence in
disguise." Liu further noted that "any attempt to split
China is doomed to failure." When asked if China is willing
to receive the Dalai Lama's envoys, Liu responded that the
Dalai Lama's previous actions show that he lacks sincerity.
Aftermath of the Visit
--------------
4. Asked what concrete steps China hopes the United States
will take, Liu replied that China has made representation to
the United States and that the United States is clear on what
China wants. He urged the United States to stop interfering
in China's internal affairs. Asked about President Bush's
statement that the Dalai Lama should be allowed to return to
China, Liu said that how China deals with the Dalai Lama is
China's internal affair and others should not interfere.
Asked if NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo would go to the United
States and, if not, was the cancellation related to the Dalai
Lama, Liu responded that he "hadn't heard of the
arrangement." When asked about a phone call between
President Bush and Chinese President Hu Jintao, Liu again
responded that he "hadn't heard of the arrangement."
Diplomatic Relations with the Vatican
--------------
5. Asked about rumors that China is willing to establish
diplomatic relations with the Vatican if it breaks diplomatic
relations with Taiwan, Liu said that China sincerely hopes
that relations can be normalized, but two preconditions
exist: first the Vatican must accept a one-China policy and
recognize Taiwan as an inseparable part of China; second, the
Vatican must stop interfering in China's internal affairs in
the name of religion.
Implementation of the Six-Party Talks Joint Statement
-------------- --------------
6. Asked about the return of the Six-Party Talks team of
experts to Beijing and the progress of the "second phase
action" to implement the October 3 joint statement, Liu said
that implementation of the joint statement is a "signal for
new and important progress in the Six-Party Talks," and China
hopes the joint statement will be smoothly implemented in a
"comprehensive, balanced way."
Embezzlement at Chemical Weapons Disposal Company
-------------- --------------
7. Liu said China has taken note of investigations of
embezzlement at Pacific Consultants International, a Japanese
company handling the disposal of abandoned chemical weapons
in China. He said that the work of dealing with abandoned
chemical weapons is important for the Chemical Weapons
Convention as well as for the memorandum of understanding
between Japan and China. He expressed hope that the
investigation will not affect the progress of the work, and
that Japan will "be responsible" and settle this issue at an
early date.
Vietnam on the UN Security Council
--------------
8. Asked to comment on Vietnam's election to the UN Security
Council (UNSC),as well as on the Secretary General of the
Vietnamese Communist Party's visit to North Korea, Liu said
that China supports and congratulates Vietnam. He added that
China has "friendly neighborly relations" with both Vietnam
and North Korea and welcomes improved relations between them.
China and Burma
--------------
9. Asked about allegations that China has been using its
influence in the UNSC to block resolutions on Burma, Liu
responded that China has been "responsible" and will continue
to be "constructive" in the region.
Turkish Troops to Northern Iraq
BEIJING 00006732 003.2 OF 003
--------------
10. Asked to comment on the Turkish Parliament's
authorization of the deployment of troops to Kurdish northern
Iraq, Liu said China follows developments in the region and
hopes the "relevant parties" can solve the "relevant issues"
through dialogue and consultation.
Political Statements during the Olympics
--------------
11. When asked if China would "condemn" athletes who made
political statements during the Olympics about topics like
Falun Gong, human rights or the Dalai Lama, Liu responded
that China welcomes athletes, trainers and other connected
with the Olympics, as well as all the world's people to come
participate, China hopes that people will bring a spirit of
fair competition to make the event a success and strengthen
friendship around the world.
Amnesty International Allegations
--------------
12. When asked about an Amnesty International report that
the Chinese government had locked up dissidents during the
17th Party Congress, Liu responded that he hadn't seen the
report.
Meeting of Three Foreign Ministers
--------------
13. Visit: The Foreign Ministers of China, Russia and India
will meet October 24 in Harbin, China to explore "further
cooperation" on political, economic, regional and
international issues.
Randt