JUNE 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK, CENSORSHIP SOFTWARE, NEW

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001549 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH KN KS BR GB RS LO GB SUBJECT: JUNE 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK, CENSORSHIP SOFTWARE, NEW ORLEANS MAYOR BEIJING 00001549 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. Key points at the June 9 MFA press briefing: -- China hoped all parties would "proceed from the interests of denuclearization and strengthening peace and stability" on the Korean Peninsula to avoid a deterioration of the situation. -- Asked directly whether the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea was still in effect, the spokesperson responded that all parties should work toward the denuclearization of the peninsula and prevent the escalation of the situation. --"Green Dam-Youth Escort" software was designed to "filter and block" unhealthy, violent and pornographic content, said the spokesperson. -- New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and some members of his staff had been placed under "medical observation" in Shanghai because passengers on his flight had "confirmed cases of H1N1." North Korea Nuclear Test and American Journalists -------------- -------------- ¶2. China "firmly opposed" the North Korean nuclear test of May 25, said spokesperson Qin Gang at the June 9 regularly scheduled Ministry of Foreign Affairs press briefing. China hoped all parties would "proceed from the interests of denuclearization and strengthening peace and stability" in the region to avoid a deterioration of the situation, he added. China called on all parties to remain "restrained and calm" to aid in the resumption of the Six-Party Talks. China was ready to "join hands with others," stay in close communication and make contributions toward the resolution of the issue. Asked directly whether the Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance between China and North Korea was still in effect, Qin avoided a direct answer and simply responded that all parties should work toward the denuclearization of the peninsula and prevent the escalation of the situation. Regarding the two American journalists in the custody of North Korea, Qin said that the United States and North Korea should work to "properly resolve the issue." South Korean Six-Party Talks envoy Wi Sung-lac was in China to discuss the Korean nuclear issue and other issues with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei. Green Dam Censorship Software -------------- ¶3. Western media has reported that beginning July 1, all PCs sold in China must be loaded with software, brand named "Green Dam-Youth Escort" that will block certain websites. Critics warn that the software will provide government Internet censors even more control over Internet content. The MFA spokesman said "Green Dam-Youth Escort" software was designed to "filter and block" unhealthy, violent and pornographic content. The spokesperson demanded to know whether the journalist asking the question knew about the software and whether he himself had children. "If you had children," said Qin, "you would understand" the concerns of parents regarding unhealthy content online. The Internet in China was "open" and the Chinese government sought to continue the development of the Internet. The Chinese Internet was also "administered according to law to prevent the spread of harmful content." Mayor of New Orleans Quarantined -------------- ¶4. New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin and some members of his staff had been placed under "medical observation" in Shanghai because passengers on his flight had "confirmed cases of H1N1," said the spokesperson. Nagin and his staff were in stable and sound condition and the MFA is in close contact with the Shanghai authorities regarding the case. Qin Gang said that he would like to "send his greetings to Mayor Nagin." Liu Xiaobo Detention -------------- ¶5. Asked about the detention of author and democracy activist Liu Xiaobo, Qin responded that "China was a country ruled by law and relevant authorities were handling the situation according to law." U.S. politicians should "respect the facts and international norms and stop interfering in China's internal affairs so as not to damage bilateral relations." BEIJING 00001549 002 OF 002 Dalai Lama in Paris -------------- ¶6. China expressed "strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition" to the Paris municipal government's "obstinately disregarding China's position" by bestowing on the Dalai Lama honorary citizenship. The move "aroused the great indignation of the Chinese people" and could damage Paris' relations with Chinese cities and the China-France bilateral relationship. Qin warned that China-France relations had suffered due to the Tibet issue in the past but had been improving due to the efforts of "farsighted people on both sides." China hoped France would remove obstacles to the relationship and urge Paris to take corrective measures so as not to "go further down the wrong track." The Tibet issue was related to China's core interests of territorial integQ5OQ_erased "disappointment"nterprises and could have "great repercussions," said Qin. The Chinese government always supported Chinese enterprises seeking foreign investment and the Rio Tinto-Chinalco agreement served the goal of mutual development. Chinese enterprises would continue to carry out investment and cooperation overseas, said Qin. "We hope prices for international mining resources can remain stable and the international market fully open," he added. Gabon President's Death -------------- ¶9. China mourned the loss of a "great friend," Gabon President Omar Bongo, said Qin. Bongo was an excellent leader and prestigious politician who made significant contributions to Africa, said Qin. China sent its deep condolences to the Gabonese people. China cherished its friendship with Gabon and stood willing to work with Gabon to improve friendship and cooperation. Air France Disaster Aftermath -------------- ¶10. In the aftermath of the missing Air France flight, the Chinese government provided "positive assistance" to the families and companies of the nine Chinese citizens confirmed aboard, said Qin. The Chinese Ambassador to France also urged France to implement compensation for families of those onboard. The MFA and Chinese Embassies and Consulates continued to keep a closeqOYChina hoped that Burma would ensure the safety of Chinese citizens there. Visits -------------- ¶12. Chinese president Hu Jintao would visit Russia to attend a conference among leaders of Brazil, Russia, India and China as well as a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization from June 14-18. Hu would also visit Slovakia and Croatia from June 14-18. Thai Foreign Minister Nitya Pibulsonggram will visit China from June 10-11. PICCUTA