JUNE 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: Iran, Arms Sales to Taiwan,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002304 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KOLY ENVR PHUM KS KN JP FR UN RS XU XV IR SUBJECT: JUNE 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: Iran, Arms Sales to Taiwan, Computer Hacking, Tibet, Dalai Lama, Six-Party Talks, China's Foreign Assistance, Environment, German FM Visit ¶1. Key points at the June 12 MFA press briefing are: -- AFM Liu Jieyi will join EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and representatives from Russia, France, Germany and the UK on June 14 in delivering a "talk resumption plan" to Iran. -- China requests that the United States honor the commitments made in the three Joint Communiqus and "permanently and thoroughly" stop weapons sales to Taiwan. -- China urges the United States to "not be paranoid," in response to accusations of hacking into Congressional computers. -- China calls on the Australian Government to not allow the Dalai Lama to engage in "separatist activities" in Australia territory. -- The spokesman blamed the Dalai Lama and the "3-14" violence for Tibet's remaining closed to foreign journalists. China AFM to Join Solana in Delivering Iran Letter -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the June 12, 2008 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Qin Gang announced that AFM Liu Jieyi will join EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana and foreign ministry representatives from Russia, France, Germany and the UK on June 14 in delivering a "talk resumption plan" to Iran. Qin stated China's hope that the relevant parties can find a "proper solution in a comprehensive and long-term way." China Opposes Selling Arms to Taiwan -------------- ¶3. The Chinese Government firmly opposes U.S. weapons sales to Taiwan and U.S. military relations with Taiwan, said the spokesman. China requests that the United States honor the commitments made in the three Joint Communiques, particularly those made in the August 17 Communique. Qin added that the United States should "permanently stop," not just suspend, weapons sales to Taiwan, and should "thoroughly, not just partly," end such sales. United States Should "Not Be Paranoid" -------------- ¶4. China has taken note of the "relevant reports," said Qin in response to a reporter's question on the alleged Chinese hacking into Congressional computers and plans to hack into those of visitors during the Olympics, and urges the United States to "not be paranoid." The spokesman asserted that China is a "developing country," and asked if the reporter believes that China's science and technology is "so sophisticated that it even scares the United States." Qin stated that the United States should do more to contribute to understanding and mutual trust between the two countries. Dalai Lama in Australia, Media in Tibet, Torch Relay -------------- -------------- ¶5. The Chinese Government firmly opposes any country providing support or convenience to the Dalai Lama, and calls on the Australian Government to not allow the Dalai Lama to engage in separatist activities in Australia territory. Responding to a reporter's question, Qin said that the next round of talks with the Dalai Lama's representatives is still under discussion. Asked about plans for the Olympic torch relay to pass through Tibet, Qin replied that because of the Wenchuan earthquake, the torch relay course had been "adjusted." ¶6. Due to the "3-14" violence, Tibet is still not open to foreign journalists, Qin said in response to a reporter's question, and the responsibility for closure is "not on the shoulders" of the Chinese Government, but on those of the "Dalai Lama clique." The spokesman expressed confidence in the continued restoration of social stability in Tibet, and told reporters China will give consideration to their "aspirations." China Hopes DPRK-Japan Talks Are Beneficial -------------- ¶7. Qin had no specifics to offer regarding today's talks in Beijing between Japan and North Korea. He voiced hope that the talks between the two sides would be beneficial and help to bring the Six-Party Talks to a "new stage." Pacific Islands Assistance, China and Environment -------------- -------------- BEIJING 00002304 002 OF 002 ¶8. The spokesman delivered a lengthy defense of its "no strings attached," "friendly" financial assistance to Pacific Island nations, which does not "interfere in the internal affairs" of the countries involved, when asked by the People's Daily about a report released by an Australian think tank criticizing China's "increasing" amounts of spending in the Pacific Island region. Qin called the report "totally pointless and unacceptable." China takes many measures to promote sustainable development and the "harmonious development" of humans and nature, said Qin in defense against a World Wildlife Fund report which called attention to China's growing "ecological footprint," adding that China stands ready to contribute and cooperate with other countries on environmental issues. German FM visit -------------- ¶9. Qin told reporters that German Vice Chancellor and Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier will meet with FM Yang Jiechi, PM Wen Jiabao and State Councilor Dai Bingguo during his June 13-15 visit to China. Asked if the Tibet issue would be discussed during FM Steinmeier's meetings, Qin stated that if the German side is interested in the Dalai Lama issue, China is ready to brief the foreign minister on the relevant issues and China's stance. PICCUTA