SEPTEMBER 11 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: KIM JUNG-IL, JOINT

UNCLAS BEIJING 003542 C O R R E C T E D C O P Y//ADD CARACAS// SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD PARM MNUC CH JA VE KN SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 11 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: KIM JUNG-IL, JOINT COMMISSION ON COMMERCE AND TRADE, WAR ON TERROR ¶1. Key points at the September 11 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- China has received no reports from the DPRK on the health of Kim Jung-il. -- China hopes the upcoming Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade will help the United States and China solve their disputes through "equal dialogue and consultation." -- The UN should play the "dominant role" in strengthening global cooperation on counter-terrorism. -- China is "gravely concerned" about reports of alleged abuse of Chinese workers in Japan. -- China does not have any specific information about soon-to-expire reporting rules for foreign journalists but will continue to welcome foreign journalists to China. Kim Jung-il -------------- ¶2. At the September 11 regular MFA press briefing, spokesperson Jiang Yu said that China has not received any reports from the DPRK on the health of Kim Jung-il and told journalists to refer their questions to the government of the DPRK. Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade (JCCT) -------------- ¶3. Asked about Chinese participation in the upcoming 19th session of the U.S.-China Joint Commission on Commerce and Trade, Jiang said that Vice Premier Wang Qishan will lead the delegation and will be joined by officials from the State Council, Ministry of Commerce, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance, State Food and Drug Administration, Export-Import Bank, among others. Noting that the United States and China are each other's second largest trade partner, Jiang said that the JCCT is "mutually beneficial" and that China hopes the two countries will have an "equal dialogue" and solve their disputes through consultation. Global War on Terror -------------- ¶4. Responding to a question about the seventh anniversary of September 11 and the U.S.-led war on terror, Jiang said that terrorism remains a challenge that poses a grave threat to the international community. Noting the need to strengthen counter-terrorism cooperation, she stressed that the UN should play the "dominant role" in this effort. Jiang also thanked other countries for their counter-terrorism cooperation with China during the Olympics. Chavez Visit to China -------------- ¶5. Asked about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's upcoming visit to China, Jiang said that China welcomes President Chavez's visit and that China will continue to pursue energy cooperation with Venezuela. Abuse of Chinese Workers in Japan -------------- ¶6. Responding to a question about reports of alleged abuse of six female Chinese workers in Japan, Jiang expressed China's "grave concern" and called on Japanese authorities to immediately investigate the cases and to safeguard the rights of foreign workers in Japan. Reporting Rules for Foreign Journalists -------------- ¶7. Asked about the Olympic reporting rules for foreign journalists, which are due to expire on October 17, Jiang said that she had no additional information at this point. However, she stressed that China will continue its policy of openness and will welcome journalists to come to China to report. She added that China hopes foreign journalists in China will abide by Chinese laws. RANDT