FEBRUARY 6 MFA PRESS BRIEFING

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000889 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL CH SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 6 MFA PRESS BRIEFING ¶1. Key points made at the February 6 MFA press conference were: -- The Six-Party Talks will resume February 8. -- The Deputy Spokesperson refused to comment on detained AIDS activist Gao Yaojie, referring questions to local authorities. -- China's anti-satellite test does not pose a threat and U.S.-China space cooperation will continue. -- China says Diaoyu islands are territories of China and a Chinese survey ship's activities are normal. -- China remains committed to "developing a normal relationship with the DPRK." -- FM Li will visit India and Japan in February; Premier Wen will visit Japan in April. -- China takes global warming seriously and has low emissions on a per capita basis. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶2. At the regularly scheduled February 6 MFA press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Jiang Yu reiterated that the Six-Party Talks will begin on February 8. Initial meetings will include a heads of delegation meeting, a plenary meeting and bilateral consultations between the parties. The Deputy Spokesperson said China hopes that all parties can take coordinated steps to implement the joint statement to reach the goal of nuclear free Korean Peninsula. AIDS Activist Gao Yaojie -------------- ¶3. The Deputy Spokesperson refused to comment to numerous questions about reports that AIDS activist Gao Yaojie was put under house arrest after receiving an invitation to attend a conference in the United States. Jiang only stated since these reports came from localities, questions should be referred to the relevant local authorities. Chinese government puts a great importance on prevention and treatment of AIDS, Jiang said. ASAT Test and U.S.-China Space Cooperation -------------- ¶4. When asked to comment on China's recent anti-satellite test, Jiang said China's test does not target or threaten any other countries. Jiang stated that China is opposed to an arms race in outer space. She also stated that space cooperation between the United States and China will be carried out in accordance with an agreement reached between two countries in September 2006. The United States and China will hold regular meetings between their two space agencies to explore cooperation in the fields of space and earth science, she stated. Jiang added that there are no specific plans for such cooperation at the moment. China and Japan Dispute over Diaoyu Islands -------------- ¶5. Noting the continuing dispute between China and Japan over the Diaoyu islands in the East China Sea, a Japanese reporter raised the presence of a Chinese survey ship in the disputed waters and asked whether China notified Japan in accordance with the 2001 agreement on providing notification of such activities. Stressing the PRC position that the Diaoyu Islands are Chinese territory, Jiang said Beijing does not accept Tokyo's claim to the Islands. Chinese ships are conducting a normal maritime scientific survey, Jiang added. When asked again about this issue, Jiang stated that China has the sovereign right over the Diaoyu islands and this issue is not related to the notification mechanism. China-DPRK Relations -------------- ¶6. When asked about recent reports that 20 North Korean border guards fled to China, Jiang stated that relevant authorities from China and North Korea have effective practices for management and maintaining order in border areas. More broadly, Jiang said China remains committed to "developing a normal relationship with the DPRK" and that China and North Korea maintain normal trade relations. She added that from January 2006 to November 2006, trade between two countries increased by five percent. Jiang also stressed that China's "resolute position" on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. BEIJING 00000889 002 OF 003 China's Defense Budget -------------- ¶7. Jiang was asked if the 14.7 percent rise in China's official defense budget is related to North Korea's nuclear test and concerns about Japan. Jiang replied that China will abide by the principle of coordinated development of national defense budget and the economy to decide the budget on military expenditure. Compared to other countries, she argued that China's defense budget accounts for only a limited proportion of China's entire budget. Darfur and China-Africa Cooperation -------------- ¶8. Asked about President Hu's visit to Africa and his talks in the Sudan, Jiang said that he explained China's position to Sudanese President al-Bashir while expressing appreciation to the Sudanese Government for trying to solve the Darfur issue. The Deputy Spokesperson said China will abide by following principles in dealing with Darfur issue: (1) sovereignty of Sudan must be respected, (2) stick to dialogue and peaceful negotiations, (3) The African Union and the EU should play a constructive role in Darfur issue and (4) efforts should be made to promote stability and to improve the livelihood of the people of Sudan. Jiang said China announced that it will provide 40 million RMB (approximately USD 5.1 million) of assistance in the Darfur region. Jiang said that President al-Bashir expressed appreciation to China for its humanitarian assistance and stated that Sudan accepted former UNSYG Kofi Annan's plan in principle and will take part in "peaceful negotiations to restore stability." ¶9. When a reporter mentioned reports criticizing China for engaging in a "new colonialism," Jiang responded by saying that "African friends have not made those comments about China." She said that China-Africa relations are based on "sincerity and joint development to strengthen cooperation and self-development capacity in Africa." China hopes to bring benefits to African nations and to finalize the eight proposals proposed at the Beijing summit, Jiang said. President Hu's Africa Trip Update -------------- ¶10. President Hu paid a state visit to Zambia and was welcomed warmly by the people of Zambia, according to the Deputy Spokesperson, responding to a question about protests by saying that there were no signs of protests or demonstrations against China. Jiang highlighted that the President of Zambia said China has become a strategic partner for Africa and that Zambia welcomes investment by more Chinese companies. Protests in Front of Chinese Embassy in Washington -------------- -------------- ¶11. When asked to comment on reports of demonstrations by Uighurs in front of the Chinese Embassy in Washington that accused the Chinese government of killing people in 1997, Jiang refused to respond. She stated that the Chinese government protects normal religious activities of Chinese citizens in accordance with law. China and WTO compliance -------------- ¶12. In response to a question about President Bush's recent comments on the lack of Chinese compliance with WTO regulations, Jiang referred to comments made by Chinese officials from the Ministry of Commerce. Premier Wen Jiabao to Visit Japan in April -------------- ¶13. Jiang said that Premier Wen Jiabao will visit Japan in April to "enhance mutually beneficial cooperation" between the two countries. Details of this visit are still under discussion. Jiang stated that 2007 marks the 35th anniversary of normalization of relations between China and Japan and is a year of cultural and sports exchanges. China hopes that two countries can use this opportunity to press ahead with further development of bilateral ties. Visit By Burmese Military Leader -------------- ¶14. In response to a reporter's question, Jiang confirmed that Burmese military leader Thura Shwe Mann is visiting China from January 30 to February 6. The purpose of this visit is to improve friendly relations between China and Myanmar, said the Deputy Spokesperson, who also confirmed BEIJING 00000889 003 OF 003 that Shwe Mann will meet with Premier Wen Jiabao. China's Position on Global Warming -------------- ¶15. When asked about where China stands in the issues related to global warming, Jiang stated that environment and sustainable development are in the long-interest of all countries. Settlement of global environmental issues must have a joint participation of international community, Jiang added. She stated that climate changes are the result of long term emissions by developed countries, which should take the responsibility to reduce their emissions in accordance with the Kyoto Protocol. Currently, China's emissions are quite low on a per capita basis, she said. China stands ready to make due contribution in reducing gas emission and has already made visible achievements in environmental protection, Jiang added. Flood in Jakarta -------------- ¶16. Noting that severe floods in Jakarta have left 29 dead and 350,000 homeless, Jiang announced that FM Li sent a telegram of condolence expressing concern for the victims. China's Red Cross will provide USD 20,000 in assistance to the Indonesian government. FM Li Zhaoxing to Visit India and Japan in February -------------- -------------- ¶17. At the invitation of Indian FM Pranab Mukherjee, FM Li Zhaoxing will pay an official visit to India February 11-14, announced Jiang. During his visit, he will meet with his Indian and Russian counterparts at a trilateral meeting. FM Li will also have separate meetings with Indian FM Mukherjee and PM Singh to exchange views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interests. China hopes to promote friendly relations and strategic partnership between the two countries, according to Jiang. In addition, FM Li will attend the opening ceremony of the China-India Tourism Friendship Year. 450,000 trips were made between China and India last year, Jiang added. ¶18. Jiang said that FM Li will visit Japan February 15-17 to meet with Japanese FM Taro Aso. Other arrangements are still under discussion, she stated. Nine Chinese Citizens Freed in Nigeria -------------- ¶19. Asked about the nine recently freed Chinese citizens who had been kidnapped in Nigeria, Jiang said that they will be returning to China very soon. RANDT