SEPTEMBER 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: KOREA DENUCLEARIZATION,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003427 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KOLY MNUC PARM EFIN CH KN GG RS SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: KOREA DENUCLEARIZATION, MILITARY EXPENDITURES REPORT, RUSSIA-GEORGIA CONFLICT, IRAQ OIL DEAL ¶1. Key points at the September 4 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- Relevant parties should "join hands" to solve the recent problems in the Korean denuclearization process. -- China has submitted a report on its military expenditures to the UN which is more complete than the report submitted last year. -- China hopes that the international community can help promote peace and stability in Georgia. -- The spokesperson had read reports of discussion between Chinese enterprises and Iraq to reach an oil deal. China "supports the Chinese enterprises." -- The spokesperson would not comment on the travel plans of the Iranian president to China other than to say that China "welcomes foreign political figures." -- The spokesperson deferred a question on North Korean child refugees living in China's border lands to local authorities. Korean Denuclearization -------------- ¶2. At the September 4 regular MFA press conference, spokesperson Jiang Yu said that she had "heard" that Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill will be coming to Beijing to discuss the North Korea issue but his schedule has not yet been finalized. Jiang said that it is the "goal of all the parties to achieve the September 19 Joint Statement." Regarding "current problems" all parties should "enhance cooperation" and "join hands to resolve problems" to press ahead with the Six-Party Talks process. Asked to confirm reports that North Korea has begun reversing the dismantlement of its nuclear program, Jiang said that "there are reports about that" and that "relevant parties should overcome the difficulties through contact and discussions." Military Budget -------------- ¶3. China has submitted its second report to the "UN Military Spending Transparency Program" since joining the program last year, according to Jiang. The report covers 2007 and "includes data on the main uses" of the money spent on the military. Jiang said that this makes the "data more complete (fengfu) than last year." The report shows that "China attaches great importance to military transparency and will work actively with the countries of the world to promote military mutual trust." Asked whether China would release any of the data to the press, Jiang said that the UN might release some data in accordance with its rules. Georgia-Russia Conflict -------------- ¶4. China hopes that relevant parties in the conflict between Russia and Georgia will resolve their issues through dialogue and consultations, said Jiang. China also "hopes that the international community can play a positive role in resolving the conflict through dialogue." Asked what the appropriate forum for dialogue would be, Jiang said that "a UN measure should help to promote a resolution and achieve peace and stability." China-Iraq Oil Deal -------------- ¶5. Jiang said that she had "read reports" that Iraq and Chinese enterprises were discussing an oil deal. The Chinese government "supports the Chinese enterprises on the basis of equality and mutual benefit." Jiang could not confirm whether a deal had been reached. Iranian President to Beijing -------------- ¶6. Asked again to confirm reports that Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will arrive in Beijing on September 6 and that he will meet with Hu Jintao, Jiang said that China "welcomes foreign political figures" and that she will release relevant information in due course. Jiang added that Chinese leaders will also meet with foreign leaders who visit Beijing. North Korean Refugees -------------- BEIJING 00003427 002 OF 002 ¶7. Asked to comment on a report that large numbers of North Korean refugee children are living in China's border regions and are reduced to prostitution and mendicancy, Jiang referred reporters to "relevant authorities." Jiang said that "illegal entry into China violates China's laws" adding that some illegal refugees have engaged in other "law breaking activities." China always handles this issue within international law and with the spirit of humanitarianism, said Jiang. Sichuan Earthquake -------------- ¶8. There have been no reports of casualties among foreigners resulting from the August 30 earthquake which struck the border between Sichuan and Yunnan said Jiang. Jiang referred reporters to local authorities in response to a question regarding whether or not journalists can now visit the affected areas. Indonesian Timber Shipment -------------- ¶9. The spokesperson had not seen reports that Greenpeace activists had boarded an Indonesian ship carrying lumber bound for China. However, Jiang noted that China has "adopted effective measures against the illegal transport of timber." PICCUTA