JUNE 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, ENGINEERS TO

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002529 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KOLY PHUM KS KN JP ZI RS TH CY SU SUBJECT: JUNE 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SIX-PARTY TALKS, ENGINEERS TO DARFUR, RE-OPENING OF TIBET, OLYMPICS, PROLIFERATION CRITICISM, ZIMBABWE, SECRETARY RICE VISIT ¶1. Key points at the June 26 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- The DPRK has not yet released a declaration of its nuclear programs, said the MFA spokesman. -- The "remaining portion of Chinese military engineers" will deploy in mid-July to assist in infrastructure projects. -- In spite of a letter of criticism from the IOC, China is against the politicization of the Olympic Games and against the use of the Olympics to interfere in China's internal affairs. -- Tibet is open to foreign tourists, and journalists interested in traveling to Tibet can apply for permission as in the past. -- The United States Government should be clear on China's opposition to proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. -- China hopes that the Zimbabwean Government will put the interests of the people and nation first, and will continue to seek dialogue and a peaceful solution. -- Secretary Rice will visit China from June 29-30. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will visit June 30-July 3 and Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou will be in China June 29-July 1. North Korea Nuclear Declaration and Six-Party Talks -------------- -------------- ¶2. At the June 26, 2008 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Liu Jianchao said that the DPRK has not yet released a declaration of its nuclear programs. Liu told reporters a press briefing would be held later in the afternoon with "very important information" related to the Six-Party Talks. China to Deploy More Military Engineers to Darfur -------------- -------------- ¶3. At the request of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, China will continue its participation in the hybrid action in Darfur, Liu announced. The "remaining portion of Chinese military engineers" will deploy in mid-July to assist in the construction of roads and camps as well as the digging of wells. China adheres to the "two-track" strategy, and remains willing to work with the international community to restore peace and stability to the Darfur region. IOC Letter, China Against Politicizing the Olympics -------------- -------------- ¶4. China is against the politicization of the Olympic Games and against the use of the Olympics to interfere in China's internal affairs, said Liu when asked about the International Olympic Committee's letter warning China to keep the Olympics separate from politics. The letter referred to Tibet CCP Secretary Zhang Qingli's comments regarding the Dalai Lama at the June 21 torch relay. Liu said that Zhang's comments were not meant to politicize the Olympics, and "one cannot say that China's position is to do so." Re-opening of Tibet to Foreigners -------------- ¶5. Tibet is open to foreign tourists, and journalists interested in traveling to Tibet can apply for permission as in the past, the spokesman told reporters when asked. He added that journalists traveling to Tibet should "cooperate" and stressed that stability in Tibet is in the interest of all Tibet's ethnic groups. China Against Proliferation -------------- ¶6. The United States Government should be clear on China's position against proliferation, said Liu when asked about reported criticism of China's lack of assistance on nonproliferation issues by a U.S. State Department official. China prohibits any proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and prohibits Chinese companies from engaging in such activities, stated Liu. China to Respect Cultural Differences, Ensure Security -------------- -------------- ¶7. China will respect different cultures and religions while also ensuring security during the Olympic Games, Liu said when asked about reports that China will search Arab Muslims attending Olympic events in religious headwear. China will take the necessary measures to ensure security for the Olympics, but understands that BEIJING 00002529 002 OF 002 some security measures may cause concerns or inconvenience. Zimbabwe Should Put the Nation, People First -------------- ¶8. China hopes that the Zimbabwean Government will put the people's and nation's interests first, and will continue to seek dialogue and a peaceful solution, Liu said when asked what China is doing to help solve the political turbulence in Zimbabwe. Liu described the situation as "new developments which have caught the attention of the international community." Secretary Rice Visit, Others -------------- ¶9. Liu announced that Secretary Rice will visit China from June 29-30, but deflected specific questions concerning her schedule, including whether or not she will visit Sichuan Province. Thai Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej will visit June 30-July 3, and Cyprus Foreign Minister Markos Kyprianou will visit June 29-July 1. RANDT