March 6 MFA Press Briefing: Upcoming Taiwan Election, Hu's

UNCLAS BEIJING 000824 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PTER TBIO CH TW JA SUBJECT: March 6 MFA Press Briefing: Upcoming Taiwan Election, Hu's Visit to Japan, Japan Dumpling Case, China's Role in the World, Australian Hostages Rescued ¶1. Key points at the March 6 MFA Press Briefing: -- The upcoming election in Taiwan is an election of a local leader. -- President Hu's visit to Japan is still under active discussion. -- Relevant Chinese authorities have taken every measure necessary to carry out a "serious and responsible investigation" on the poisoned dumpling case. -- China will continue to adhere to the path of peaceful development and open policies of mutual benefit. -- In the hostage case in Xian, all hostages have been safely rescued. Upcoming Taiwan Election -------------- ¶2. At the March 6 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Qin Gang said the upcoming election in Taiwan is an election of a local leader, not a Presidential election. Qin referred the question to "other relevant authorities." President Hu's Visit to Japan Under Discussion -------------- - ¶3. President Hu's visit to Japan is still under active discussion, Qin said. This visit will promote "long-term stability" and "healthy development" of China-Japan relation, Qin added. Both countries are committed to establishing a strategic partnership. Japan Dumpling Case -------------- ¶4. Regarding the case of Chinese poisoned dumplings found in Japan, Qin said relevant Chinese authorities have taken every measure necessary to carry out a "serious and responsible investigation" and have released the initial results of that investigation. To find the truth, the Chinese investigation will continue, Qin added. Until the completion of a "fair and scientific" joint investigation, neither side should draw unilateral conclusions. China hopes to establish a long-term mechanism with Japan on food security cooperation. China's Role on the International Stage -------------- -- ¶5. "China would like to create a world of lasting peace, common development and prosperity," Qin said regarding China's role in the international stage in the next five years. China follows a "foreign policy of peace and common development," Qin added. With regard to the DPRK nuclear issue and other disputes, China believes all countries should follow the "five principles of peaceful coexistence." In sum, China will continue to adhere to a "path of peaceful development" and "open policies of mutual benefit." Australian Hostage Case Still Under Investigation -------------- -------------- ¶6. Asked about the recent case of Australians being taken hostage in Xian, Qin said the case is still under investigation. Qin confirmed that all hostages have been safely rescued and expressed sympathy to those held hostage. The Chinese Government has always attached great importance to protecting the security of foreign citizens in China and will continue to provide a safe environment for foreign tourists, Qin added. Especially with the upcoming Olympics, China will carry out more effective measures in this regard. RANDT