JUNE 23 MFA PRESS BREIFING: DPRK VESSEL, H1N1, IRAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001710 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHSA AO BM CH JA IR KN KS SW TW SUBJECT: JUNE 23 MFA PRESS BREIFING: DPRK VESSEL, H1N1, IRAN ¶1. Key points at the June 23 MFA press briefing: -- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Qin Gang stated that China was aware of relevant reports of a DPRK vessel transporting munitions but emphasized that any related inspections must abide by the provisions of UNSC 1874. -- Qin asserted that China's H1N1 quarantine measures were consistent with WHO standards and Chinese law, and assist global prevention efforts. -- China had "taken note" of developments in Iran, "respected the choice of the Iranian people" and hoped for the preservation of Iranian "solidarity and stability." -- Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva will visit China from June 24 to 27. DPRK Vessel -------------- ¶2. Asked about reports that a DPRK ship carrying munitions was being "trailed by the U.S.," China had "read the relevant reports," but could provide no further information, said Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang at the June 23 regularly scheduled press briefing. China maintained that any inspection of the vessel and restriction of its cargo should abide by UNSCR 1874. Qin said China would "strictly implement" UNSCR 1874 along with relevant national and international laws. China called upon all parties to refrain from acts that might "further escalate" the situation. Qin noted that China would welcome any information the U.S. could provide regarding the ship in question. H1N1 Prevention Measures -------------- ¶3. Asked about China's H1N1 prevention strategy, Qin said that, having experienced the 2003 SARS outbreak, China approached swine flu prevention measures "seriously, prudently, and extremely responsibly." Qin asserted that foreigners "confirmed to be infected" were placed into medical observation and quarantine to "protect their own health and safety and that those around them" and in order to assist global prevention efforts. Qin claimed that China's quarantine procedures were consistent with WHO standards and Chinese law on epidemic prevention. Five-Party Proposal -------------- ¶4. In response to a question on proposals for the creation of a five-party talk mechanism, Qin said that "dialogue and consultation," as well as the Six-Party Talks were the best way to achieve denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. China was willing to "stay in close contact and communication" with other parties, Qin said. Iran -------------- ¶5. China had "taken note" of the domestic situation in Iran and "respected the choice of the Iranian people." Qin said China believed the election issue should be "decided by Iran" and hoped for the preservation of Iranian "solidarity and stability." U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks -------------- ¶6. Qin said that during the tenth session of bilateral U.S.-China Defense Consultative Talks in Beijing June 23-24, the U.S. and China would exchange views on military relations, Taiwan, international and regional security issues, and other issues of common interest. Qin said it was "natural" for the U.S. and China to discuss their "common interest" in North Korean denuclearization and the situation on the Korean Peninsula. China took this consultation "very seriously" and hoped to get "positive results." Ma Ying-jeou Hawaii Visit -------------- ¶7. In response to reports that President Ma Ying-jeou will meet with the Governor of Hawaii during a transit stop en route to South America, Qin said that China consistently opposed any form of "official exchanges" with Taiwan authorities by any country. Visits BEIJING 00001710 002 OF 002 -------------- ¶8. Qin noted that Thai Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva would visit China from June 24 to 27, and would meet with President Hu Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao, and NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo to exchange views on enhancing mutual trust, deepening pragmatic cooperation and strengthening "coordination, communication and cooperation" in international and regional affairs. Qin noted China and Thailand enjoyed "friendly and good neighborly relations." ¶9. Qin announced that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Song Tao will visit Italy from June 26 to 27 to attend the G8 ministerial meeting to discuss "Afghanistan and regional crises." PICCUTA