SEPTEMBER 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN AND IAEA, KIM

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003585 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV ETRD PARM VE CH KN NZ IN SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 16 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN AND IAEA, KIM JONG-IL, U.S. FINANCIAL WOES, CHAVEZ VISIT TO CHINA ¶1. Key points at the September 16 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- China "hopes that Iran will keep up cooperation with the IAEA for the early settlement" of the Iran nuclear issue, however, "sanctions are not the way to resolve the issue." -- China and the United States "do not have contact" regarding contingency planning for post Kim Jong-il Korea. -- The spokesperson said that "China hopes the United States can overcome the subprime crisis and stabilize exchange rates." -- Venezuela President Hugo Chavez will meet Chinese leaders and sign agreements during his visit to China on September 23-25. --The spokesperson was unaware of reports claiming Chinese soldiers are in Angola. IAEA Report on Iran -------------- ¶2. At the September 16 regular MFA press briefing, spokesperson Jiang Yu said that China has "taken note of the report submitted by the IAEA Director General" regarding Iran. China "hopes that Iran will keep up its cooperation with the IAEA for the early settlement of the issue." Dialogue and negotiation are the only ways to reach a "comprehensive, lasting and proper settlement," said Jiang. Asked for China's reaction to possible U.S. sanctions, Jiang said that "sanctions are not the way to resolve the issue." Kim Jong-il -------------- ¶3. Jiang said that she has no information related to reports that Chinese doctors were sent to NORTH Korea. Jiang also denied reports that China and the United States has begun making "contingency plans" for the fall of Kim Jong-il, saying China and the United States, "do not have contact" on the issue. U.S. Financial Woes -------------- ¶4. Asked for China's reaction to the financial crises in the United States, Jiang referred the reporter to relevant authorities saying that "China hopes the United States can overcome the subprime crisis and stabilize exchange rates." Chavez China Visit -------------- ¶5. Asked for more information regarding the visit of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to China on September 23-25, Jiang said that Chavez will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and other leaders to "exchange views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest." China and Venezuela will sign agreements relating to legal cooperation, sports, and quality inspection, Jiang added. Asked whether any oil agreements will be signed during Chavez's stay, Jiang would only comment that "the two sides are keeping consultations." Jiang noted that oil from Venezuela accounts for only 4 percent of China's total oil imports. China's bilateral relationship with Venezuela is based on "equality and mutual benefit" and is "not directed against any other countries." Infant Formula Product Safety and New Zealand -------------- ¶6. Asked to confirm whether the New Zealand government has contacted the MFA regarding quality control allegations at the infant formula company Sanlu (a New Zealand joint venture linked to sales of tainted infant formula that has caused sickness in over 1,000 Chinese infants so far),Jiang said that China has been improving its food safety and quality inspection before referring the reporter to relevant authorities. Asked whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be the relevant authority for contact between the Chinese and New Zealand governments, Jiang said that "other agencies" also play a role. Chinese Troops in Angola -------------- ¶7. In response to a reporter's question, Jiang said that she had not heard reports that any Chinese troops are being sent to Angola. Visits -------------- ¶8. Jiang announced that Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao will attend the UN high-level meeting on the Millennium Development Goals in New BEIJING 00003585 002 OF 002 York on September 25 and attend the general debate of the 63rd session of the UN General Assembly. Indian National Security Advisor MK Narayanan will visit China from September 18-19 to discuss the China-India border. RANDT