Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING1710
2009-06-23 11:43:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
JUNE 23 MFA PRESS BREIFING: DPRK VESSEL, H1N1, IRAN
how-toVZCZCXRO6670 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHTRO RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #1710/01 1741143 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 231143Z JUN 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 4736 RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RUEHGG/UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE RUEHBK/AMEMBASSY BANGKOK 6701 RUEHGO/AMEMBASSY RANGOON 4765 RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC
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
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
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