APRIL 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: ZIMBABWE ARMS SHIPMENT,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001600 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KOLY CH FR KN JA SY PA XG ZI SUBJECT: APRIL 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: ZIMBABWE ARMS SHIPMENT, SYRIA-DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUE, CHINESE VISAS, DALAI LAMA, TORCH RELAY, CHINESE NETIZENS ¶1. Key points at the April 24 MFA press briefing were: -- A Chinese cargo ship will return to China with arms intended for Zimbabwe. -- An EU resolution critical of China's involvement in Africa is "irresponsible" and "groundless." -- The Syria-DPRK nuclear issue should not affect the Six-Party Talks. -- China has begun requiring foreigners to submit "necessary materials" with visa applications but will continue to issue multiple entry visas to eligible applicants. -- The door to dialogue is open to the Dalai Lama if he gives up separatist and disruptive activities. -- The Olympic torch relay was completed successfully in Canberra. -- Suits against CNN are spontaneous activities by Chinese civilians; the Chinese Government is waiting for a reply from CNN to its recent demands for an apology. Zimbabwe Weapons; EU Resolution on Africa -------------- ¶2. At the April 24 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said the Chinese ship carrying weapons to Zimbabwe will return without delivering its cargo. China's conventional weapons trade policy is consistent with Chinese law, UN Security Council resolutions and international obligations. China has been responsible and cautious and has a strict management system for weapons exports, said Jiang. People should not politicize the issue. Jiang said "some in the United States are always critical, posing themselves as the world's policemen" but these people are "not popular." Attempts to disrupt China-Africa relations will not be successful, said Jiang. ¶3. Jiang called the European Parliament's resolution on China's relations with oppressive African nations "irresponsible." The resolution "ignored the facts" and made groundless accusations." Jiang said she requets that theEU stop "such activities which create conflicts." The African people support China's relations with the continent. China respects African social systems and does not impose its values on African countries. China follows the principle of "mutual benefit" with regard to trade with Africa and does not export weapons to countries under UN sanctions. Asked whether the issue would be discussed during EU President Jose Manuel Barroso's visit to China, Jiang said China hopes the EU will take an "objective view" and contribute to the development of China-EU relations instead of "imposing personal values" on other people. DPRK-Syria Reactor Issue -------------- ¶4. Jiang said the issue of North Korea's alleged assistance to Syria's nuclear program was an issue for "these two countries" to resolve. The issue should not affect the Six-Party Talks. Jiang said she had no information about whether the United States provided China intelligence on the Syria-DPRK relationship and directed such questions to the United States. The DPRK and the United States reached an important consensus recently and China hopes "their consultation" will be "fruitful and make progress." China also hopes relevant parties will continue to promote the Six-Party Talks and denuclearization. Visa Policy/Attack of an American Citizen -------------- ¶5. China's visa rules are consistent with "China's laws and past experience," Jiang said, noting that China has begun requiring foreigners to submit "some necessary materials" with their applications. Eligible applicants will continue to receive multiple entry visas. China's visa system is more convenient than many other countries, said Jiang, and recommended that foreigners apply early. ¶6. Asked about reports of violence towards an American citizen in Hunan, Jiang said China always protects foreigners' lives and legitimate rights and interests in China. China does not agree with "some radical remarks," though she did not specify to which remarks she was referring. Door for Dialogue with Dalai Lama Open -------------- - ¶7. Jiang said she has no information as to whether President Hu Jintao received a letter from the Dalai Lama requesting that the Dalai Lama's representatives be allowed into Tibet. China considers BEIJING 00001600 002 OF 002 the Tibet issue an internal one and objects to outside interference. If the Dalai Lama stops all separatist and disruptive activities, the door for dialogue is "definitely open." Torch Relay -------------- ¶8. Jiang said the torch relay in Australia was completed successfully and that cooperation from Canberra had been "effective." She questioned the intentions of a questioner who asked whether the Chinese Embassy assisted in bringing Chinese supporters to the torch relay in Canberra, saying that if those who wished to disrupt the event had the right to be there, then Chinese supporters did too. Jiang said the people of Nagano, Japan should feel honored that their city was chosen to receive the Olympic flame. The exact arrangements for the event in Nagano have not been finalized but China is confident the Japanese police will protect the flame. Lawsuits Against CNN -------------- ¶9. Efforts to sue CNN for comments deemed offensive to China are "spontaneous activities" by Chinese civilians, Jiang said. The Chinese Government has elaborated its position to CNN and "looks forward to their response." Jiang refused to comment on calls by netizens for a rally in Tiananmen, but said all netizen remarks must be made in the framework of the law and she hopes they can express themselves in a "rational and legal manner." Asked whether angry comments online are damaging China's image, Jiang encouraged journalists to look at the provocative and insulting comments made against the Chinese people by others. Raffarin Visit -------------- ¶10. China attaches great importance to the visit of former French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and considers him an "old friend of China." Jiang noted that some "farsighted" people in France have recently made efforts to improve relations with China. Diplomatic Relations with Paraguay, Heparin -------------- ¶11. Asked whether China will establish diplomatic relations with Paraguay, Jiang said China would like to establish relations with all countries on the basis of the one China policy. Jiang had no information about the FDA's review of Chinese made Heparin. RANDT