NOVEMBER 13 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: PRESS FREEDOM,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007084 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH JA IR BM SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 13 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: PRESS FREEDOM, BURMA, IRAN, EAST CHINA SEA ¶1. Key points at the November 13 MFA Press Briefing: -- Reports that China is building a database with information on foreign journalists are "completely false." No such database is being constructed. -- The recent visit of UN Special Envoy Gambari to Burma resulted in progress. China will continue to play a supportive, constructive role in the region. -- Unilateral sanctions on Iran will "do no good." China has urged Iran to respond to the concerns of the international community and hopes the situation can be resolved by dialogue and consultation. -- China has an "open attitude" towards constructive plans and proposals regarding the East China Sea, and hopes China and Japan can reach agreement during consultations in Tokyo November 14. -- China "agrees with the purpose" of the 1997 Ottawa Convention to Ban Landmines, although it did not sign it. -- VISITS: Vice Premier Hui Liangyu will visit Algeria, Cyprus and Spain November 18-29, and will attend the fourth meeting of the ChinaSpain Forum. The International Food Safet Forum, co-hosted by the ministry of Health, th World Health Organization and the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, will meet November 26-27 at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to discuss food safety. Senior officials from more than 40 countries and dozens of international organizations will attend. No Database of Foreign Reporters -------------- ¶2. The reports that China is building a database of information on foreign journalists in advance of the Olympics are "completely false," and no such database is being constructed, said MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao at the November 8 regular MFA press briefing. The Beijing Organizing Committee of the Olympic Games and the International Olympic Committee are working together on this issue and are in agreement, and China is ready to welcome thousands of registered journalists in advance of the Olympics. Unregistered reporters will also be welcomed once they complete the necessary formalities. China's Position on Burma -------------- ¶3. Accusations that China has been "making remarks" about Burma while taking no action are "groundless." Burma is an ASEAN member, and a stable, developed, prosperous Burma is in the best interest of China and all of Asia. The problems in Burma are internal in nature. The problems are complex, and as such it should not be assumed that one or two visits will solve the issue. Progress was made during UN Special Envoy Gambari's recent visit, and China will continue to play a supportive, constructive role in the region. Sanctions on Iran Will Do No Good -------------- ¶4. China has been in close consultations with the United States on Iran. China upholds the principles of nonproliferation and has urged Iran to respond to the concerns of the international community.. The situation will best be resolved through dialogue and consultation. Sanctions, especially unilateral sanctions, will "do no good" to resolve the situation. East China Sea Consultations -------------- ¶5. China and Japan will hold the eleventh round of consultations on the East China Sea in Tokyo November 14. MFA Director General for Asian Affairs Hu Zhengyue will represent China and meet with Japanese Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director General Kenichiro Sasae. China has an "open attitude" towards constructive plans and proposals and hopes the two sides can reach agreement. Landmines -------------- BEIJING 00007084 002 OF 002 ¶6. China "agrees with the purpose" of the Ottawa Convention to Ban Landmines. While China did not sign the treaty, they have kept cooperation and communication with signature countries. China is a signatory to the Amended Landmine Protocol of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, and is willing to strengthen cooperation with all parties. Soft Power -------------- ¶7. Asked about China's growing "soft power," the spokesman responded that China depends on communication and deals with issues in a "fair and objective manner." During the 17th Party Congress, President Hu Jintao made it clear that China will continue to peacefully develop. China is ready to coordinate with other countries on this matter, as well as on the issue of mutual environmental protection. Taiwan in the UN -------------- ¶8. Asked about a proposed bill in the U.S. Congress to allow Taiwan into the UN, the spokesman responded that there is only one China in the world, and Taiwan is a part of it. The Government of the PRC is the only legitimate government representing the whole of China. Yang's Visit to Iran -------------- ¶9. FM Yang Jiechi's visit to Iran to discuss regional and international issues has just started. No meetings have taken place at this time, but more information will be provided following the meetings. Six Party Talks Update -------------- ¶10. Asked for an update on the Six Party Talks, the spokesman responded that all parties are working to ensure denuclearization. Ecuadorian President Correa's Visit -------------- ¶11. Asked for specifics regarding the visit of Ecuadorian President Rafael Correa, the spokesman responded that he will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Chairman of the PRC Standing Committee Wu Bangguo to discuss bilateral issues and issues of regional and international interest. Correa will also visit Xi'an and Shanghai. Upcoming Visits -------------- ¶12. VISITS: Vice Premier Hui Liangyu will visit Algeria, Cyprus and Spain November 18-29, and will attend the fourth meeting of the China-Spain Forum. The International Food Safety Forum, co-hosted by the ministry of Health, the World Health Organization and the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine, will meet November 26-27 at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse to discuss food safety. Senior officials from more than 40 countries and dozens of international organizations will attend. PICCUTA