NOVEMBER 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, SIX-PARTY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007239 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON MARR EFIN ETRD TBIO IR JA KN KS, MK, AS SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 27 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-EU SUMMIT, MORE ¶1. Key points at the regular November 27 MFA Press Briefing: -- FM Yang told Secretary Rice in a November 26 meeting that China would play a constructive role on the Iran issue. -- China is still consulting with other parties on the date of the next Six-Party Heads of Delegation meeting. -- China takes product safety seriously and "criticisms are not helpful for solutions." -- China understands EU concerns over the Euro-RMB exchange rate and is ready to continue discussions, but hopes the EU will acknowledge China's progress over the past year. -- China congratulates Australian Prime Minister-elect on his election and has confidence in the future development of the Chinese-Australian relationship. -- VISITS: Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski will visit China from December 4-9. FM Yang Meeting with Secretary Rice -------------- ¶2. MFA Spokesman Qin Gang said when Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi met Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on November 26 the two discussed bilateral issues and issues of joint concern, including Taiwan and Iran. Yang said China would "play a constructive role" in resolving the Iran issue. According to Qin, Yang also told Secretary Rice that China opposes Taiwan's United Nations referendum and hopes the United States abides by its commitments regarding Taiwan and stops selling weapons to Chen Shui-bian and the Taiwan authorities. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶3. Qin said China is coordinating with other parties regarding the dates for the next Six-Party Heads of Delegation meeting, but has no details for release yet. Responding to a question on Assistant Secretary Chris Hill,s travels to Japan and South Korea, Qin said the United States and China remain in close contact. He said the United States and North Korea should continue meeting on the basis of equality and mutual respect to improve relations. The two countries should continue to work with other involved parties to help achieve peace and stability in the region. Qin said China hopes for a successful visit "with results" by the team of experts, including China's Ambassador Chen Naiqing, visiting Yongbyon. Product Safety -------------- ¶4. Qin said he was unaware of Vice Premier Wu Yi's reported comments to European Union (EU) Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson. However, Qin noted that the Chinese Government attaches great importance to food safety and that China is a responsible country that cares about the health of people around the world. "We take a highly responsible attitude to manufacturing." Qin said a Japanese report in July 2007 found 99.42 percent of Chinese imports were considered safe compared to 99.38 percent of those from the EU, and 98.96 percent from the United States. Qin said "Chinese food is not only safe, but reliable." "We acknowledge that there are some issues in food and product manufacturing, but these are isolated cases." Qin concluded that "criticisms are not helpful for solutions. All countries should be engaged in a joint effort to protect human health." EU Summit on RMB Appreciation -------------- ¶5. China understands the EU's concerns about the value of the RMB and is ready to continue discussions on the topic, but hopes the EU can appreciate China's efforts over the past year, said Qin. China will continue allowing gradual flexibility in the exchange rate in a managed float. Against the U.S. dollar, the RMB has appreciated by 11.6 percent this year. China Congratulates Australian PM-Elect -------------- ¶6. Qin said Premier Wen Jiabao has already offered his congratulations to Australian Prime Minister-Elect Kevin Rudd. The Chinese Government continues to cooperate with Australia to promote the peace and stability of the region. BEIJING 00007239 002 OF 002 There is "comprehensive cooperation between the two sides" and the Chinese have confidence in the future development of the bilateral relationship. The Chinese Government also expressed its appreciation for Prime Minister John Howard's efforts in improving relations between China and Australia. ROK and DPRK Defense Ministers Meet -------------- ¶7. China welcomes the recent meeting between the Defense Ministers of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Qin said China hopes negotiations between the two Koreas will result in long-lasting peace. China would like to see improvement of relations between the two Koreas. Taiwan Independence -------------- ¶8. Asked whether China is insisting that a China-EU summit joint statement include a condemnation of Taiwan seeking independence, Qin said that Taiwan is part of China. The "promotion of independence by Taiwan authorities undermines the peace and stability of the region," he said. The EU adheres to the "one China" principle, Qin continued. "We hope the EU upholds justice on the Taiwan question and opposes Taiwan independence." Banned Group Tours in 2008? -------------- ¶9. Qin dismissed reports that Chinese tourism authorities intend to ban group tourism from May through August of 2008. "China is a major travel destination and we hope to build greater understanding of China's history and culture through tourism." Spratley Island Military Exercise -------------- ¶10. China recently held a military training exercise in territorial waters around the Spratley Islands. Qin said the islands are undisputedly Chinese and that Vietnam's accusations that China infringed on their territory were groundless. Chinese Naval Ship Visits Japan -------------- ¶11. A Chinese naval ship will arrive in Japan on December 1 in a gesture of friendship and goodwill, said Qin. This is the first visit by a Chinese naval ship to Japan since normalization. Upcoming Visits -------------- ¶12. VISITS: Macedonian President Branko Crvenkovski will visit China from December 4-9. RANDT