December 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, KITTY HAWK, NEW

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007334 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH SUBJECT: December 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, KITTY HAWK, NEW CATHOLIC BISHOP, A/S HILL, SED, VISITS ¶1. Key points at the December 4 MFA Press Briefing: -- Iran's nuclear issues: China opposes international proliferation of nuclear weapons -- China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong Kong. -- New Catholic bishop in Guangzhou: Promote friendship between Vatican and China -- A/S Hill to exchange views with Chinese officials on Six-Party Talks process -- SED: Important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust -- Visits: ROK PM Han Duk Soo, UK PM Gordon Brown, UK Conservative Leader David Cameron Secretary Rice and FM Yang Exchange Views On Iran SIPDIS -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the December 4 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Qin Gang confirmed the December 4 telephone conversation between Secretary Rice and FM Yang. Both sides exchanged views on Iran's SIPDIS nuclear issues, he added. When a reporter asked whether China is going to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran, Qin reiterated China's opposition to the international proliferation of nuclear weapons and its commitment to diplomatic negotiations for the proper settlement of the Iranian issue. ¶3. Qin could not confirm the new intelligence report from the United States claiming Iran stopped developing nuclear weapons in 2003. He repeatedly stated "China's position on Iran is persistent." Kitty Hawk -------------- ¶4. "China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong Kong," Qin stated. Regarding the United States' decision to go through the Taiwan Strait, the United States should "take a prudent route in a highly sensitive area," Qin replied. New Bishop In Guangzhou -------------- ¶5. Guangzhou now has a new Catholic bishop, Qin confirmed. China hopes to take this opportunity to further promote friendship between the Vatican and China, he added. A/S Hill Visiting Beijing -------------- ¶6. EAP Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill will visit Beijing December 5, Qin confirmed. He will meet with Chinese officials to exchange views on the Six-Party Talks process. Strategic Economic Dialogue -------------- ¶7. When asked about China's expectations for the upcoming Strategic Economic Dialogue (SED),Qin replied China highly values the SED. It is an "important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust," he said. China hopes to exchange views candidly and push forward trade and economic ties. Germany Opposes Taiwan's Referendum -------------- ¶8. China "appreciates Germany's opposition on Taiwan's referendum," Qin stated. Germany's position on this is based on bilateral cooperation and friendship between China and Germany, he added. Island Dispute Between China and Vietnam -------------- ¶9. When asked to comment on the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry's recent announcement claiming sovereignty over Xisha Island, Qin said China has "indisputable sovereignty" over this island and any accusation against China is groundless. Chavez's Referendum Defeat and Russian Election -------------- -- ¶10. China has taken note of President Chavez's referendum defeat and hopes for social stability in the region. China also took note of the election victory of the United Russia Party. China hopes for continual promotion of strategic partnership and coordination with Russia. Foreign Journalists Welcomed During Olympics -------------- BEIJING 00007334 002 OF 002 ¶11. A reporter asked whether China would bar certain journalists from covering the Olympics for political reasons. China welcomes reporters from around the world to "cover China fairly and objectively," Qin said. Chinese Computer Hackers -------------- ¶12. British media reports accusing China of cyber espionage are "irresponsible," Qin stated. China opposes and prohibits activities undermining computer systems and jointly works with other countries to counter cyber attacks. Visits -------------- ¶13. Qin confirmed FM Yang's visit to Malaysia December 7-8. FM Yang will also visit Laos. President Hu will visit Japan in 2008. ROK Prime Minister Han Duk Soo will visit China December 10-11. UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown will visit China in January and UK Conservative Party Leader David Cameron will visit China soon. RANDT