Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08BEIJING2304
2008-06-12 10:38:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

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

Tags:  PREL PGOV KOLY ENVR PHUM KS KN JP FR UN RS XU XV 
pdf how-to read a cable
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DE RUEHBJ #2304/01 1641038
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O 121038Z JUN 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7917
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
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RUEHRL/AMEMBASSY BERLIN 1694
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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

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