MAY 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CONTINENTAL SHELF, SRI LANKA,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001275 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV AMED MCAP CH KN SUBJECT: MAY 12 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CONTINENTAL SHELF, SRI LANKA, KOREAN PENINSULA, NEPAL STABILITY ¶1. Key points at the May 12 MFA press briefing: -- China has submitted information to the UN on the outer limits of its continental shelf. -- The work of Chinese companies in building a port in Sri Lanka is "a normal business action" and reports that it is otherwise are "distortions" and "groundless." -- "Maintaining peace and stability" on the Korean Peninsula is "in the interest of all parties." -- A report claiming China is behind unrest in Nepal is "baseless." Continental Shelf -------------- ¶2. Based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and agreements between the signatories, China's permanent representative to the UN submitted information on the outer limits of China's continental shelf -- to 200 nautical miles offshore, said MFA spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu at the May 12 regularly scheduled press conference. The submission touches upon China's territory in the South China Sea, Ma noted. Ma added that China has "indisputable sovereignty and jurisdiction" over the islands of the South China Sea and the surrounding waters. China reserves the right to submit further information on this issue in the future, said Ma. Sri Lanka -------------- ¶3. Press reports indicate that China has begun construction of a naval facility in Hambantota, Sri Lanka, to use as a refueling docking station for its navy and to assist Sri Lankan forces combat rebels. Critics have accused China of supporting human rights abuses in the country. In response to a question, the spokesman said that China wishes to develop relations with Sri Lanka "based on the five principles of peaceful coexistence," said Ma. The work of Chinese companies in building the port in Sri Lanka is "a normal business action" and reports that it is otherwise are "distortions" and "groundless." Ethnic reconciliation and social stability are in the interests of the Sri Lankan people, said Ma. China continues to follow the situation in Sri Lanka and will provide assistance "within its abilities." North Korea -------------- ¶4. "Maintaining peace and stability" on the Korean peninsula is "in the interest of all parties" and China hopes that all parties will "proceed from this understanding," said Ma. Nepal Instability -------------- ¶5. A report claiming China is behind unrest in Nepal is "baseless," said Ma. China abides by the principle of noninterference in others affairs. As a friendly neighbor, China hopes Nepal will "remain united" to promote peace and stability. Asia-Europe Summit -------------- ¶6. China places "great importance" on the Asia-Europe meeting to be held in Hanoi from May 25-26. Due to scheduling conflicts, Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi will not be able to attend, said Ma. Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei will attend on behalf of Yang. China hopes the meeting will work to implement the consensus reached at the previous Asia-Europe summit which was held in Beijing. China will also work to promote the "four initiatives" outlined by Prime Minister Wen Jiabao at the previous meeting. Earthquake -------------- ¶7. Asked about foreign contributions to the Sichuan Earthquake reconstruction, Ma said that President Hu Jintao had "extended his gratitude" to foreign nations for their assistance in reconstruction after last year's Sichuan earthquake. Ma added that reconstruction work has been proceeding "smoothly" and survivors are building new homes and developing the economy. H1N1 Flu -------------- ¶8. Asked for the number of foreigners currently in quarantine the spokesperson referred reporters to the Ministry of Health. BEIJING 00001275 002 OF 002 PICCUTA