FEBRUARY 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. SATELLITE, SIX-PARTY

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000634 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM MARR KOLY ETRD CH JA RS SU SR BM KS, KN, TW, XA SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. SATELLITE, SIX-PARTY TALKS, AFRICA, CHINA-JAPAN STRATEGIC DIALOGUE, SECRETARY RICE VISIT ¶1. Key points at the February 21, 2008 MFA Press Briefing were: -- China continues to watch closely the destruction of an errant U.S. satellite. -- China acknowledges "difficulties" in the Six-Party Talks, but believes all parties have the political will to honor their commitments. -- China's policy in Africa is responsible and conducive to Africa's development. -- China-Japan Strategic Dialogue will help the two countries exchange views "to increase cooperation." -- The spokesman announced the upcoming visit of Secretary Rice. U.S. Satellite Destruction Closely Watched -------------- ¶2. During the February 21 regular MFA press briefing, spokesperson Liu Jianchao responded to a question about the successful destruction of an errant U.S. satellite saying that China was closely following the "possible harm caused by the U.S. action to outer space security and relevant countries." Liu added that China requested that the United States fulfill its obligations in "real earnest" and provide data so that relevant countries might take precautions. Six-Party Talks -------------- ¶3. Liu confirmed that China recently had an "exchange of views" with Assistant Secretary Hill and DPRK VFM Kim Kye-Gwan. Liu said all parties recognize that the Six-Party Talks has resulted in positive progress. Liu admitted that there have been some "difficulties" recently but said that "all parties have the political will" to honor their commitments. China is ready to continue to promote the denuclearization process and realize the goals of the joint statement. ¶4. China, ROK and DPRK will hold an economic and energy working group on February 21 in Beijing. This "association within the Six-Party Talks" will discuss the coordination of economic support to the DPRK. China in Africa -------------- ¶5. Responding to a question regarding President Bush's comments concerning China's activities in Africa, Liu said that he could not comment on United States-Africa policy. China's policy, Liu said, is responsible and conducive to Africa's development. Liu said that the cooperation between China and Africa was "widely applauded by the African people" during the meeting between President Bush and the President of Ghana. Eighth China-Japan Strategic Dialogue -------------- ¶6. Liu confirmed that the Eighth China-Japan Strategic Dialogue will take place from February 22-23 in Beijing. The Chinese delegation will be led by VFM Wang Yi. The two parties will "exchange views on how to increase cooperation" and will discuss the dumpling issue "if necessary." Liu also said that it was irresponsible and unscientific for Japanese authorities to make judgments on the dumpling issue at this stage in the investigation. Secretary Rice Visit Announced SIPDIS -------------- ¶7. Liu announced that Secretary Rice will visit China from February 26-27. China hopes that the two sides can "exchange views in an in-depth way on issues of mutual interest" and implement the consensus reached by the two leaders. Liu also said that China hopes to promote the development of the United States-China strategic cooperative partnership. Huawei Deal Rejection -------------- ¶8. When asked whether the recent ruling against the Huawei bid to purchase 3Com caused China to worry about protectionist practices, Liu responded that Huawei was a capable manufacturer of telecommunication technology and that China hoped U.S. authorities would act according to the law to ensure a fair environment. Civil and Political Rights, Tibetan Language, Vatican Relations, Nigeria President Visit -------------- -------------- BEIJING 00000634 002 OF 002 ¶9. Liu said in response to a question about Olympic related pledges to protect human rights that China began working to expand civil and political rights before the founding of the PRC and would continue its efforts after the Olympics. Responding to a question about claims that China should do more to protect the Tibetan language, Liu said that the local government and schools in Tibet used Tibetan. Such claims will not deceive those with an understanding of the region, he added. Liu did not know whether Vatican representatives would attend the Olympics, but noted that China and the Vatican are in contact "toward the improvement of relations." Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua will visit China from February 27-March 1.