MAY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: FLU, QUARANTINES, VISA POLICY,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001199 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV AMED MCAP CH MX CE CA AS KU JP SUBJECT: MAY 5 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: FLU, QUARANTINES, VISA POLICY, MILITARY DEVELOPMENT ¶1. Key points at the May 5 MFA press briefing: -- China has taken "urgent and temporary" measures to "protect the safety of the animal husbandry industry and the people" from the threat of H1N1 Influenza. -- The spokesperson had no information about reports that four American citizens have been quarantined or on total numbers of foreigners who have been quarantined, but said that "local governments" are responsible for taking measures to combat the spread of the virus. -- Recent adjustments in China's visa policy were made "in accordance with domestic law." -- China's military policy is "defensive" in nature and China is a "positive force for world peace." H1N1 Influenza -------------- ¶2. China has taken "urgent and temporary" measures to "protect the safety of the animal husbandry industry and the people" from the threat of H1N1 influenza, said spokesman Ma Zhaoxu at the May 5 regularly scheduled MFA press conference. China's ban on pork products from parts of the United States and Mexico "is consistent with international practice," guidelines set out by the World Organization for Animal Health, and World Trade Organization rules regarding minimizing impact on trade, said Ma. Ma noted that the World Health Organization (WHO) described the flu "from the beginning" as "swine flu" and that the virus was related to a "swine virus." Ma also said that the WHO has written that the virus was a "public health event of international concern." The "source and methods of the flu are unclear," said Ma, so China must take these measures. Quarantine of Foreigners and those Entering China -------------- -------------- ¶3. On May 2, 22 Canadian citizens were quarantined in Changchun, Jilin Province by provincial authorities acting in accordance with relevant laws, said Ma. The Canadians are being monitored in their hotel for seven days but their body temperatures and emotional well-being are currently "stable," said Ma. The local Foreign Affairs Office has informed the Canadian Embassy of the situation and has made accommodations for lodging and food for the Canadians. Ma claimed that the Canadians "approved" the measures. Ma had no information about reports that four American citizens have been quarantined or on total numbers of foreigners who have been quarantined, but said that "local governments" were responsible for taking measures to combat the spread of the virus and that information was being collected and would be released at a later time. ¶4. A chartered China Southern Airlines plane is due to arrive in Mexico on May 6 to pick up Chinese citizens there, said Ma. A chartered flight from Mexico has arrived in Shanghai and will continue on to Guangzhou and Hong Kong before returning to Mexico. Asked whether Chinese citizens would be subject to quarantine on their return to China, Ma referred the question to the airline authorities. China and Mexico have been in "close communication" on this issue and attach great importance to the bilateral "strategic partnership." Visa Policy Adjustments -------------- ¶5. When asked about increased wait times for Chinese visas processed by the Chinese mission in the United States, Ma said recent adjustments in China's visa policy were made "in accordance with domestic law." The policy is "not discriminatory" and will not affect normal exchanges with other countries, said Ma. Chinese Military Development -------------- ¶6. China "follows a path of peaceful development," said Ma when asked for China's reaction to a recent Australian defense white paper that discussed China. China's military policy is "defensive" in nature and China is a "positive force for world peace." China's development "does not pose a threat" to other countries and relevant countries should be "unbiased." Sri Lanka Humanitarian Situation -------------- ¶7. China will offer 1 million RMB in "urgent humanitarian BEIJING 00001199 002 OF 002 assistance" for displaced civilians in northern Sri Lanka, said Ma. Attaining social stability and national reconciliation is in the fundamental interest of the Sri Lankan People and the world. China hopes that Sri Lanka will realize peace stability and economic development, said Ma. Visits -------------- ¶8. Kuwait's Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah will visit China from May 10-13. During his stay, he will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao and Prime Minister Wen Jiabao to discuss bilateral and international issues. China and Kuwait have "complementary" energy cooperation and the two sides have been discussing ways to "strengthen cooperation." Canadian Foreign Minister Lawrence Cannon will visit China from May 9-13. New Department at Chinese MFA -------------- ¶9. The newly created MFA Department for Border and Ocean Affairs is charged with "developing diplomatic policies related to the oceans and border affairs," said Ma. This will include managing border demarcation and "cases involving oceans." The function of the department is not new, said Ma. Asked whether the department would be involved in discussions with Japan over disputed territories, Ma said that one could "infer this department's function" based on his previous description. PICCUTA