MAY 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: H1N1, DEFENSE POLICY,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001299 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV CH FR AS KN PK BR CA MX SUBJECT: MAY 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: H1N1, DEFENSE POLICY, ESPIONAGE CASE, LULA VISIT ¶1. Key points at the May 14 MFA press briefing: -- China continues to work to monitor and contain H1N1 influenza, dismissing as "irresponsible" allegations that the United States and Canada have not taken sufficient measures to contain the virus's spread. -- Regarding press reports of a USG official charged with passing classified information to an agent of China, China urges the United States to discard its "Cold War mentality" and stop making baseless attacks on China, and to focus instead on building trust and friendship between the two countries. -- In response to Pakistan's request for international aid, China plans to provide USD 1 million in emergency assistance to help Pakistan care for 500,000 citizens displaced by fighting between government and Taliban forces. H1N1 Influenza -------------- ¶2. China continues to work with all relevant parties to monitor and contain the spread of H1N1 influenza, MFA Spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu said at the May 14 regular MFA press briefing. The spokesperson dismissed as "irresponsible" allegations that the United States and Canada have not taken sufficient measures, particularly with regard to entry/exit procedures, to contain the virus's spread. The spokesperson added that China looks forward to continuing close cooperation with affected countries, including the United States and Canada, to combat the spread of H1N1 influenza. Australian Defense White Paper -------------- ¶3. Asked about remarks by Australian officials that Australia's military plans ?- as described in a recent Australian defense white paper -- are not aimed at China, the spokesperson responded only that China's defense policy remains unchanged in that it is fundamentally defensive in nature, adheres to the principles of peaceful development, and contributes significantly to preserving regional security. Espionage Case -------------- ¶4. Regarding press reports of a USG official charged with passing classified information to an agent of China, the spokesperson urged the United States to discard its "Cold War mentality" and stop making baseless attacks on China, and to focus instead on building trust and friendship between the two countries. Visit of Brazilian President -------------- ¶5. The upcoming planned state visit of Brazilian President Lula da Silva is to coincide with the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Brazil. The spokesperson added that the two countries plan to use the visit to "expand strategic cooperation" and sign a series of cooperative agreements, though he declined to provide any specific details on the planned agreements. Aid to Pakistan -------------- ¶6. As a token of friendship, and in response to Pakistan's request for international aid, China plans to provide USD 1 million in emergency assistance to Pakistan to help care for 500,000 citizens displaced by fighting between government and Taliban forces. Chinese Monetary Policy -------------- ¶7. Asked to comment on U.S. calls for changes in Chinese monetary policy, the spokesperson responded that the international community -- including the United States -- knows that China has not benefited from currency manipulation, and that China discourages all forms of trade protectionism. Questions Not Answered: Chinese Film, North Korea BEIJING 00001299 002 OF 002 -------------- -------------- ¶8. Asked to comment on the upcoming showing at the Cannes Film Festival of Chinese filmmaker Lou Ye's "Spring Fever," which was not authorized by the Chinese government or reviewed by government censors, the spokesperson responded that he is not familiar with the film and is not in position to comment. Asked to comment on China's view of the two American journalists to be tried in North Korea, the spokesperson noted that he has already answered this question multiple times in the past and has no further comment. PICCUTA