MAY 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK Nuclear Test, Tiananmen

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001397

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH BM TT MY PK KN KS LT NP

SUBJECT: MAY 26 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK Nuclear Test, Tiananmen
Apology, Aung San Suu Kyi Trial

BEIJING 00001397 001.2 OF 002



1. Key points at the May 26 MFA press briefing:

-- The Chinese government is "firmly opposed" to North Korea's
nuclear test and "strongly urges" the DPRK to honor its commitments,
stop moves that edge it closer to isolation, and return to the
Six-Party Talks.

-- Apologizing for the "political incident" on June 4, 1989 is "not
appropriate."

-- Aung San Suu Kyi's trial is an "internal judicial proceeding" and
Burma's judicial sovereignty should be respected.


North Korean Nuclear Test
--------------


2. At the May 26 regular press briefing, MFA spokesperson Ma Zhaoxu
said North Korea had conducted a nuclear test despite the common
opposition of the international community. The Chinese government
is "firmly opposed" to this action and "strongly urges" the DPRK to
honor its commitments, stop moves that edge it closer to isolation,
and return to the Six-Party Talks, he stated. China calls for a
"cool-headed approach to this matter," urges a peaceful resolution
through consultation and dialogue, and supports relevant means by
the UN Security Council toward those goals. Safeguarding the peace
and stability of Northeast Asia "serves the common interest of all
parties concerned," Ma said. As to whether North Korea notified
China in advance of the launch, the spokesperson said China
maintains communication with relevant parties, including the DPRK.
After the test, China made direct representations to North Korea and
maintained communication with other parties, he stated.


4. As for reports that the DPRK had afterwards tested two
short-range missiles, Ma said China had "taken note of relevant
reports." In response to a question about China's influence over
North Korea's actions, Ma said China's diplomacy is conducted in
accordance with the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, so
China does not seek to influence other nations. Regarding the South
Korean government's intention to join the Proliferation Security
Initiative (PSI),the spokesman said that China has taken note of
the reports, that the security situation in Northeast Asia is
complicated, and that China firmly opposes nuclear proliferation.
Asked whether China would invite North Korean delegates to attend
the October 1 ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the founding
of the PRC, the spokesperson said China was still "making
preparations."

Tiananmen Apology
--------------


5. Asked whether the Chinese government would apologize for the
Tiananmen incident of June 4, 1989, Ma said the government has drawn
the conclusion that the great achievements in economic development,
democracy, and society since 1979 affirm that socialism with Chinese
characteristics is in the fundamental interest of the Chinese people
and apologizing for the "political incident" on June 4 is "not
appropriate."

Aung San Suu Kyi Trial
--------------


6. Asked whether China supports an ASEAN statement urging the
Burmese authorities to release Aung San Suu Kyi, Ma said her trial
is an "internal judicial proceeding" and Burma's judicial
sovereignty should be respected. China's principle of
noninterference is unchanged, he stated.

Pakistan Humanitarian Crisis
--------------


7. Regarding the humanitarian situation in Pakistan, Ma said
Pakistan is a "friend and neighbor" of China, and the PRC is paying
close attention to ongoing developments. In addition to the US$1
million in cash for relief efforts already donated, China will
donate another 30 million RMB ($4.4 million) in material assistance
on May 27 as a "token of friendship." This aid package will include
water purification equipment, power generators, and medicine.

New Prime Minister in Nepal
--------------

BEIJING 00001397 002.2 OF 002




8. China expresses its congratulations to Madhav Kumar Nepal in his
election as Nepal's Prime Minister. Sino-Nepalese relations are of
"great importance," and China looks forward to furthering the
friendship and partnership between the two countries, Ma stated.

U.S.-China Talks on Sudan
--------------


9. At the invitation of PRC Special Envoy Liu Guijun, U.S. Special
Envoy for Sudan Maj. Gen. Scott Gration visited China on May 25 to
exchange views on Darfur and the North-South Comprehensive Peace
Agreement. SE Gration met with Liu Guijun and Assistant Foreign
Minister Liu Jieyi during his visit, noted the spokesperson.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Visit
--------------


10. At the invitation of Vice Premier Wang Qishan, acting in his
capacity as special envoy of President Hu Jintao, U.S. Treasury
Secretary Timothy Geithner, in his capacity as special
representative of President Obama, will visit China from May 31-June
2 to discuss bilateral financial cooperation and the Global Economic
Crisis, and also make preparations for the first U.S.-China
Strategic and Economic Dialogue, stated Ma.

Malaysian Prime Minister Visit
--------------


11. At the invitation of Premier Wen Jiabao, Malaysian Prime
Minister Najib Tun Razak will visit China from June 2-6, said the
spokesperson. It is his first visit since taking office. Najib
will meet with President Hu Jintao and Premier Wen, and the two
sides will exchange views on bilateral issues and international and
regional issues of common interest. China and Malaysia will also
sign comprehensive agreements during the visit, which is aimed at
further enhancing Sino-Malaysian friendship, deepening cooperation,
and "pushing the bilateral relations to a new level," said Ma.

Other Visits
--------------


12. The spokesperson stated that East Timor Foreign Minister
Zacarias da Costa will visit China from June 3-8 at the invitation
of Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. Lesotho Foreign Minister Mohlabi
Kenneth Tsekoa will also visit China at FM Yang's invitation, from
June 3-9, he said.
PICCUTA