April 3 MFA Press Briefing: Hu Jia Case, Olympic Boycott,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001267 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PTER CH PK TN TZ CI QA KZ AS SW FR, IR SUBJECT: April 3 MFA Press Briefing: Hu Jia Case, Olympic Boycott, IAEA Iran Intelligence, Lhasa Incident, Xinjiang Disturbances, Boao Forum Attendees ¶1. Key points at the April 3 MFA Press Briefing were: -- China has handled the Hu Jia case according to law and will not accept criticism. -- The IOC is right to reject calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics and the torch relay should not be disrupted. -- Reports China supplied the IAEA with intelligence about Iran are false. -- Reports that a Chinese Embassy official in Paris apologized for his comments comparing riots in Paris to Lhasa are "not accurate." -- Local authorities in Xinjiang are capable of maintaining order. China Will Not Accept Criticism of Hu Jia Case -------------- - ¶2. At the April 3, 2008 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said China could not accept criticism of its handling of the Hu Jia case. China is a rule of law country and will not stop implementing its laws because of the Olympics. Hu Jia was tried according to the law, said Jiang. Olympic Boycotts, Torch Relay Protests -------------- - ¶3. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is fulfilling its duties under the Olympic Charter, said Jiang in response to a question regarding IOC Coordinating Commission Vice Chairman Kevan Gosper's statements that the IOC does not support an Olympics boycott. Jiang emphasized that the Olympic Games is a sporting event which enhances understanding, cooperation and friendship between countries. She urged countries to make active contributions to the development of the Games. ¶4. When asked about potential protests at the Paris torch relay, Jiang said that the relay would be the "glory and pride" of Paris and an opportunity for Parisians to show their Olympic spirit. Jiang urged activists not to act contrary to the will of the people and cause a "disruption" of the event. Jiang said she considers Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe's reported plans to display a banner on human rights in China to be a "disruption." When asked the reason for these demonstrations, Jiang said it is well known that activists want to challenge and provoke "people around the world." Denial of Reports China Gave IAEA Iran Intelligence -------------- -------------- ¶5. Jiang said she has seen media reports that China gave the IAEA intelligence regarding Iran, but called the reports "totally groundless." There are "ulterior motives" behind the reports. China has been consistent in its position that the Iran nuclear issue be resolved peacefully through negotiation. China calls on all parties to exert creativity and show flexibility to seek an "all-round and long-term solution" to the issue. China will play a constructive role toward this goal, said Jiang. Lhasa Incident -------------- ¶6. Jiang said reports that an official from the Chinese Embassy in Paris apologized to the French Government over comments comparing the Lhasa riots to riots in Paris were "not in line with the facts." Jiang went on to say that the incident in Lhasa was not a peaceful demonstration, but a "grave, violent crime." China hopes countries will respect the facts, take an objective and impartial position and "understand and support China's legitimate measures to stop violent crimes in accordance with the law." In accordance with international law, nations are obligated to protect the security and dignity of diplomatic missions and personnel. China hopes France can continue its effective protection of the Chinese Embassy, said Jiang. ¶7. When asked how Chinese online bulletin boards were able to post detailed, personal information about the journalists who participated in the Chinese Government's organized tour of Lhasa, Jiang had no response. The journalist's trip to Lhasa helped them "understand the truth," she stated. Xinjiang Disturbances -------------- ¶8. Jiang referred reporters to local authorities in Hetian, Xinjiang for information regarding disturbances there. Jiang said local authorities were able to maintain stability and safeguard life and property. BEIJING 00001267 002 OF 002 Musharraf Visit -------------- ¶9. Jiang said Pakistan President Musharraf will visit China April 10-15 and meet President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin. Musharraf will also attend the Boao Forum for Asia April 11-13. China and Pakistan's cooperative and strategic partnership has developed well in recent years and the visit will promote good neighborly relations and fruitful cooperation in the long-term, said Jiang. Boao Forum for Asia -------------- ¶10. Jiang announced the attendees of the Boao Forum for Asia which will be held April 11-13 in Hainan. The attendees include: Tonga King George Tupou V, Pakistan President Musharraf, Tanzania President Jakaya Kikwete, Chile President Michelle Bachelet, Qatar Prime Minister Hamed bin Jasim bin Jabor al-Thani, Kazakhstan Prime Minister Karim Massimov, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. Mongolian President Nambaryn Enkhbayar and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa were also invited, said Jiang. RANDT