OCTOBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SUDAN HOSTAGE CRISIS, SYRIA

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004078 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PBTS PHUM PTER ECON EFIN SU SY KN SUBJECT: OCTOBER 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: SUDAN HOSTAGE CRISIS, SYRIA STIKES, FINANCIAL SUMMIT, DALAI LAMA ¶1. Key points at the October 28 afternoon MFA press briefing were: -- China condemns the killing of five kidnapped Chinese citizens in a rescue attempt by the Sudanese government. -- China "opposes any deed which harms another country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," said the spokesperson in reference to the reported U.S. military strike on Syrian soil. -- China "has received and is considering" the U.S. invitation to attend a summit meeting on the financial crisis and would like to see participation by developing countries. -- China hopes that the Dalai Lama will "better understand the situation, demonstrate sincerity and do something good for his people during his lifetime." Sudan Hostage Crisis -------------- ¶2. Five Chinese citizens were killed, two were rescued and two are missing in Sudan, said Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Jiang Yu at the October 28 regularly scheduled press briefing. The five victims, all of whom were employees of the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC),were killed during a Sudanese government rescue attempt, said Jiang. Jiang indicated that President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao themselves had followed events in the Sudan closely and had directed the MFA to work closely with the Sudanese. China expresses its "grave condolences" to the five victims, "sympathy" to their families and "strong condemnation" to the kidnappers over the killings. CNPC and the Chinese Embassy in Sudan will form a "joint group" focused on the aftermath of the crisis. China "values" its relationship with Sudan and "requests the government of Sudan to guarantee the safety of foreigners, including Chinese" in Sudan. China's cooperation with Sudan "will continue." Asked whether China had been informed of or took part in the rescue attempt, Jiang only said that China and Sudan had "close cooperation" in trying to resolve the crisis. ¶3. The spokesperson emphasized China's role in Sudan's development noting that "many Chinese not-for-profit organizations are in Sudan." China also "plays an important role in promoting local people's well-being and economic development." China is also willing to work with the international community to promote peace in Sudan. China's involvement in Sudan is "on the basis of "mutual benefit and joint development," Jiang added. Syria Strikes -------------- ¶4. Asked to comment on reported U.S. military strikes on targets in Syria, Jiang said that China "opposes any deed which harms another country's sovereignty and territorial integrity." Asked whether these comments referred specifically to the U.S. strike, Jiang said that they did. Jiang added that "relevant parties should properly handle this case to safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East." Financial Crisis and Summit -------------- ¶5. China "has received and is considering" the U.S. invitation to attend a summit meeting on the financial crisis, said Jiang. China also "hopes that relevant parties will pragmatically and effectively solve this and future financial crises." China would like to see the summit "develop an equal, mutually beneficial global partnership and make a contribution in safeguarding the financial markets and promoting world economic development." The recent crisis has "exposed the deficiencies and defects in the international financial system," said Jiang. The international community should "conduct effective and comprehensive reform of the international financial system on the basis of full consultation with all stake holders to ensure the stable development of the world economy." China would like to "increase the representation of developing countries and give them a bigger say" in the discussions," said the spokesperson. Dalai Lama -------------- ¶6. The specifics of the next round of talks with the Dalai Lama are still "under discussion," said Jiang. The Chinese policy toward the Dalai Lama is "consistent and sincere." China hopes that through the discussions the Dalai Lama will "better understand the situation, demonstrate sincerity and do something good for his people during his lifetime." Jiang said that China has "taken note of some remarks made by the Dalai side" a likely reference to the BEIJING 00004078 002 OF 002 Dalai Lama's recent comments that he has lost faith in negotiations with the Chinese. "If Dalai wishes to improve relations with the Central Government he should fulfill the commitment he made in July," said Jiang. Food Safety -------------- ¶7. The spokesperson referred reporters to relevant authorities for questions regarding tainted eggs. Jiang said that China "attaches great importance to food safety." If any food safety problems are confirmed "relevant authorities will ask the company to recall the products," he added. Green Energy -------------- ¶8. Asked to comment on recent NGO reports calling on China to improve energy efficiency, Jiang said that the NGOs may "not have been aware of China's energy policy." China has issued a new energy law which encourages the development of green energy, said Jiang. China also "attaches importance to the clean use of coal." Jiang called on the international community to work together to improve energy efficiency. Ivory Sales -------------- ¶9. Jiang had not heard reports of ivory sales by China in South Africa, but said that China adheres to all of its international obligations to protect endangered animals and has been recognized for its efforts. Kim Jong-Il -------------- ¶10. The spokesperson had not seen reports that Kim Jong-Il has been hospitalized. PICCUTA