Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING889
2007-02-06 13:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
how-toVZCZCXRO9337 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0889/01 0371305 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 061305Z FEB 07 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4543 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000889
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL CH
SUBJECT: 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
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