FEBRUARY 8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000940 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE PLEASE PASS TO EMBASSY TRIPOLI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM MNUC KN JA CH XA SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 8 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, CANADIAN UIGHUR, DR. GAO'S DETENTION, AFRICA COMMAND, JAPANESE SHIP DISPUTE ¶1. Key points made at the February 8 MFA press conference were: -- The Six-Party Talks resumed today with an open- ended schedule. Goals are to implement the Joint Statement and establish a mechanism for further progress. Relevant parties should address financial sanctions issues to allow the Talks to move forward. -- Addressing human rights cases, Canadian diplomats have no right to attend the trial of a Chinese born, Uighur-Canadian citizen. MFA refused to comment on detention of AIDS activist Dr. Gao Yaojie. -- China's recent survey activity in the East China Sea does not require advance consultation with Japan. -- China had no comment on the United States' creation of a new unified African Command. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶2. At the regularly scheduled February 8 MFA press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Jiang Yu announced that the third round of Six-Party Talks resumed February 8 with an opening ceremony at 4:20 p.m. followed by a plenary session and various bilateral, trilateral and heads of delegation meetings. The duration of this round of talks depends on progress made. Goals are to implement the Joint Statement, set specific measures parties will take in the initial phase, and establish a mechanism for further progress. China hopes relevant parties will maintain pragmatic attitudes to address common concerns. The issue of establishing working groups will be explored. EVFM Dai is meeting with his DPRK counterpart. Yesterday VFM Wu met with delegation heads from Russia, Japan, the United States and the DPRK. ¶3. When asked about abductions, financial sanctions and the anti-satellite test, Jiang said the Japan kidnapping issue can be addressed bilaterally within and beyond the framework of the Talks. China hopes relevant parties take steps to address the financial sanctions favorable to progress in the Talks. Jiang said the anti-satellite test is not related to the Talks; China's position is clear and the test does not pose a threat to other countries. ¶4. Asked if the United States and the DPRK signed a Memorandum of Understanding on financial sanctions in Berlin and if Hill would brief VFM Wu about it, Jiang would only say China hoped discussions between parties would support the foundation of the Talks. When asked to comment on the statements by Teng Jianqun, headof China Arms Control and Disarmament Associaton, that the Talks will not be successful unless the United States lifts sanctions, Jiang replied this was only a scholar's personal view and hoped parties would overcome difficulties through compromise. Human Rights: Canadian-Uighur, AIDS Dr. Gao Yaojie -------------- -------------- ¶5. Jiang said detained Canadian-Uighur Husyincan Celil (Yu Xiangjiang) is a Chinese citizen and Candian diplomats have no right to attend his trial on terrorism charges. Celil is a member of the East Turkistan Independence Movement, Jiang said, and authorities are dealing with his case in accordance with Chinese law. Consular agreements between China and Canada do not apply, she said. ¶6. Jiang said MFA had no information about the reported house arrest of AIDS activist Dr. Gao Yaojie. Chinese Survey Activities Near Diaoyu Islands -------------- ¶7. A Japanese reporter asked about China's interpretation of the advance notice mechanism between China and Japan relating to the East China Sea and whether the recent dispute regarding survey vessels would be discussed at the upcoming meeting of the two countries' foreign ministers. Jiang said the mechanism proceeds from general interests, aims to increase mutual trust and does not affect China's BEIJING 00000940 002 OF 002 position on maritime law. Recent maritime survey activity by China near the Diaoyu Islands is normal and within China's sovereign right. Africa Command -------------- ¶8. Jiang had no direct comment in response to questions about whether the United States' establishment of a unified Africa command was a response to Chinese activity in Africa. Jiang said China-Africa cooperation benefits peace and development, goals which all parties active in the region should support. RANDT