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