JANUARY 13 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: MIDDLE EAST, EU, INTERNET

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000103 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH TW IS XG RW UG BR KN MI SF CB MI SUBJECT: JANUARY 13 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: MIDDLE EAST, EU, INTERNET CENSORSHIP, DPRK VISIT ¶1. Key points at the January 13 MFA press briefing: -- China is "gravely concerned" that UN Security Council resolution 1860 is "not being implemented" in Gaza. -- China "attaches great importance" to its relationship with the EU -- China calls on France to create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations. -- China "takes an open-minded view" towards the Internet and "follows usual procedures" in managing it. -- AFM Hu Zhengyue visited the DPRK from January 9-12 "as part of normal exchanges." Gaza Conflict -------------- ¶2. China is "gravely concerned" that UN Security Council resolution 1860 is "not being implemented" in Gaza, said MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu at the January 13 regularly scheduled MFA press briefing. The resolution represents "the shared aspirations" of the international community. China calls on all parties to implement a cease fire and on Israel to withdraw its troops. China also "supports the efforts of Egypt and other mediators" to resolve the crisis, said Jiang. Since the start of the conflict, China's role has been "constructive." China's special envoy to the region Sun Bigan held talks with Egyptian and Arab League leaders. China is also considering sending humanitarian assistance to the region, said Jiang. EU-China Relations -------------- ¶3. China "attaches great importance" to its relationship with the EU and is committed to a "strategic partnership" with the organization. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi "exchanged views" with Czech Foreign Minister Karel Schwarzenberg on the importance of relations in a recent conversation, said Jiang. Asked about China's relations with France, Jiang said that China "has always valued its relations with France" and has "never done anything to harm" the country. However, the Tibet issue has "greatly damaged" relations and the image of France in the minds of the Chinese people. France should "take seriously" China's concerns, "take constructive action" and create conditions for the improvement of bilateral relations, said Jiang. Internet Censorship -------------- ¶4. Amnesty International's accusation that its website has been blocked in China due to the Chinese Government's apprehension regarding upcoming sensitive anniversaries was made "due to ignorance of China's situation," said Jiang. China "takes an open-minded view" towards the Internet and "follows usual procedures" in managing it. China could not have as many Internet users as it has if it did not have these policies, said Jiang. Websites that "advocate illegal things like cults" cannot be allowed, Jiang asserted. Asked whether she could confirm whether Amnesty's website has been blocked in China, Jiang said she did not have specific information, but noted that "that organization is biased and not objective." AFM Hu Zhengyue trip to DPRK -------------- ¶5. Chinese AFM Hu Zhengyue visited the DPRK from January 9-12 "as part of normal exchanges," said the spokesperson. While in the DPRK, Hu met with Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun and Kim Yong Il to discuss the enhancement of friendship between the DPRK and China. Hu also discussed ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of relations between the two countries which the spokesman predicted would be both "rich and colorful." Somali Piracy and Taiwan -------------- ¶6. China has sent ships to the sea off of Somalia following a UN BEIJING 00000103 002 OF 002 Security Council resolution and the invitation of the Somali Government, said Jiang. The Chinese ships will also protect merchant vessels from Taiwan. Foreign Minister Travels -------------- ¶7. Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will visit Uganda, Rwanda, Malawi and South Africa from January 13-17 to "improve relations" with the four African nations and have an "in-depth dialogue." Yang will visit Brazil from January 17-19 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of relations between the two countries. Jiang noted that cooperation with Brazil will "help to increase [China and Brazil's] representation in the international sphere" Yang will also visit Portugal from January 20-21 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of relations. Cambodian King Illness -------------- ¶8. The spokesperson had not heard reports that Cambodia's former king Norodom Sihanouk has been hospitalized in Beijing but said that China "wishes him a happy life." RANDT