Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|
08BEIJING522 | 2008-02-14 23:12:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Beijing |
VZCZCXRO8671 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #0522/01 0452312 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 142312Z FEB 08 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5017 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0197 RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE 0038 |
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000522 |
1. Key points at the February 14, 2008 MFA Press Briefing were: -- China believes its joint proposal for a space weapons ban is in the interests of the international community. -- U.S. allegations of spying are "groundless" and China is "tired" of such "fabrications." -- China regrets Steven Spielberg's decision to withdraw as artistic advisor to the Beijing Olympics and China has made efforts to improve the situation in Darfur. -- FM Yang Jiechi and VFM Wang Yi will meet with UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari when he visits Beijing and China believes Burma has made significant steps towards democracy. Joint Proposal on Space Weapons Ban -------------------------- 2. During the February 14 regular MFA press briefing, spokesperson Liu Jianchao announced the joint China-Russia proposal to ban weapons in space. Liu said that the proposal was in the common interests of the international community and would safeguard the "peace and tranquility of outer space." China hopes relevant countries will hold discussions on the proposal and "respond positively." U.S. Spying Allegations -------------------------- 3. Responding to repeated questions regarding recent U.S. arrests of alleged spies, Liu said that China had taken note of the reports and that the "so-called allegations are groundless." The accusations result from the "Cold War mentality" of the United States and are not helpful for the bilateral relationship, continued Liu. Liu said that China is "tired" of these "fabrications" and noted that similar accusations have been made in the past and have amounted to nothing. China hopes that the United States will make efforts to improve relations. Spielberg's Resignation Regrettable -------------------------- 4. Spokesman Liu responded to questions regarding Steven Spielberg's resignation as an artistic advisor to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games. The decision was regrettable, Liu said, noting that although Spielberg had accepted an invitation from the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad (BOCOG), he had not signed an official contract. 5. Liu said that attempts to link the situation in Darfur to the Olympics were not appropriate and that China is also concerned about the situation there. Liu described a long list of actions which China has taken to improve the humanitarian crisis in Darfur including donating money, building power plants, digging wells and dispatching engineers. Liu encouraged those worried about Darfur to abandon "empty rhetoric"and be objective and pragmatic. Olympic Athletes' Political Views -------------------------- 6. When asked repeatedly whether China would guarantee to treat all Olympic athletes equally regardless of whether they had expressed controversial political views, Liu would only say that China "welcomed all athletes with open arms." China believes that the Olympics will be a "platform for the consolidation of friendship" and that athletes will be "friendly." WTO China Ruling -------------------------- 7. When asked for China's comments on the recent WTO finding on China's auto industry, Liu referred reporters to the expert report delivered by the Ministry of Commerce. China respects the WTO procedures for resolving disputes and has no comment while they are ongoing, said Liu. UN efforts in Burma -------------------------- 8. Liu confirmed that FM Yang Jiechi spoke with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon about Burma. FM Yang and VFM Wang Yi will meet with UN envoy Ibrahim Gambari when he visits China. China support's Gambari's efforts and believes Burma's government has taken steps in the right direction toward democratization. Dumpling Export Issue An Isolated Incident BEIJING 00000522 002 OF 002 -------------------------- 9. When asked about continued concern in Japan over the recent discovery of tainted dumplings imported from China, Liu said that China immediately began an investigation in cooperation with Japanese authorities when it received word of the problem. Liu emphasized that this is an individual case and that China attaches great importance to the issue. Liu expressed confidence that the two countries can work together to solve the issue and that it will not influence bilateral relations. India Border Dispute, IOC President, Kosovo, Corpse Trafficking -------------------------- -------------------------- 10. Liu confirmed that China had expressed its concern over Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit to Arunachal Pradesh. The spokesman refused to comment on reports that IOC head Jacques Rogge signed a petition urging China to do more in Darfur. When asked about China's position on Kosovo independence, Liu responded that China believes all parties involved should continue their efforts to find a resolution of the matter. In response to a question about the trafficking of human corpses, Liu said that China takes seriously any reports of such activities and will investigate such allegations. |