JUNE 30 MFA PRESS BREIFING: ASEAN+3, FIVE PARTY TALKS,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 001804

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM MARR PHSA AO BM CH JA IR KN KS SW
TW

SUBJECT: JUNE 30 MFA PRESS BREIFING: ASEAN+3, FIVE PARTY TALKS,
GREEN DAM, HONDURAS


1. Key points at the June 30 MFA press briefing:

-- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Qin Gang stated that
China would continue to "play a constructive role" through the
ASEAN+3 and Regional Security Forum and, given that the
international security and economic situation was "changing
rapidly," urged relevant countries to "cooperate and work
together."

-- China maintained that all should "adhere to dialogue and
consultation," as well as the Six-Party Talks to realize
denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula.

-- China was "unaware" of the planned July 1 Internet boycott and
referred all questions about Green Dam to "competent authorities."

-- China "expressed concern" over the situation in Honduras and
hoped that stability could be "restored shortly."

ASEAN+3 and Regional Forum
--------------


2. Chinese leaders, including the Foreign Minister, planned to
attend the ASEAN Regional Forum and ASEAN+3 leaders meeting, said
Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang at the June 30 regularly
scheduled press briefing. Specific dates and agenda topics were
still uncertain, but Qin noted participants would give "positive
consideration" to the financial crisis. Qin added that China would
continue to "play a constructive role," adding that due to the
international security and economic situation "changing rapidly,"
China urged relevant countries to "cooperate and work together" to
jointly address the financial crisis and other global challenges.

Five-Party Proposal
--------------


3. In response to a question on proposals for the creation of a
Five-Party Talks mechanism to discuss recent events in the DPRK, Qin
said that China believed all should "adhere to dialogue and
consultation," as well as the Six-Party Talks to realize
denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. China would, "as always,"
maintain communication and consultation with other parties on how to
"push forward" the Six-Party Talks, Qin maintained.

Internet Boycott of Green Dam
--------------


4. Qin claimed he was "unaware" of the planned July 1 mass boycott
of the Internet in response to the mandatory installation of Green
Dam software on computers sold in China after that date. Qin
suggested that questions about the boycott, about the recent letter
to Prime Minister Wen Jiabao from Chambers of Commerce and business
groups that urged China to drop the plan to implement Green Dam, and
as well as queries regarding which authorities could confirm Wen's
receipt of the aforementioned letter should be referred to
"competent authorities."

Honduras Coup
--------------


5. China "expressed concern" over the situation in Honduras and
hoped that stability could be "restored shortly," said Qin. Asked
whether China would have relations with Honduras and its new
president, Roberto Micheletti, Qin stated, China stood ready to work
according to the One China Principle, the UN Charter and relevant UN
resolutions, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence to
develop normal relations with other countries.

G-8 Meeting
--------------


6. Competent Chinese officials, including Ministers, planned to
accompany President Hu Jintao to Italy to attend the G-8 meeting,
Qin announced. Qin told the journalists assembled that the MFA
would hold a background briefing for Chinese and foreign journalists
with more details -- releasing a relevant notice "shortly".

China-Russia Joint Military Exercise
--------------


BEIJING 00001804 002 OF 003



7. China and Russia planned to conduct a joint military exercise,
Peace Mission 2009 to "strengthen antiterrorism cooperation." This
"important part" of their "strategic partnership" would also
contribute to peace and tranquility for two countries and the
region, said Qin. The exercise scenario would be an anti-terror
drill, and military authorities were in "close coordination and
cooperation." Qin referred questions about modalities for the
exercise to the Ministry of National Defense.

Russia Detains Chinese Cargo
--------------


8. Qin had "only just read" a media report suggesting that Russia
had impounded Chinese cargo in Russia (NFI),and needed to check the
story. China and Russia should maintain and develop normal trade
relations, which was in the interest of "both countries," said Qin.
Issues that crop up with people to people and trade exchanges should
be solved in a "peaceful and friendly manner," said Qin. Qin
"urged" Chinese engaged with Russia to observe local laws and "do
more to promote friendship" between the two countries. Issues of
customs declarations should be solved to safeguard the legitimate
interests of Chinese citizens and their interests in Russia.

CCP 88th Anniversary
--------------


9. Asked about the July 1 anniversary of the CCP founding, Qin
noted that "remarkable changes" had taken place in China since the
founding of the Party in 1921, adding that it was "all attributed to
the CCP leadership." Each country should "choose their own path of
development" based on national and international conditions, he
explained. Qin went on to add that China hoped the DPRK would
"continue to make progress" in development, but maintained the
principle of non-interference in other countries' internal affairs
and commitment to conduct exchanges on the basis of "equality and
mutual benefit."

Report of Kim Jung-un Visit
--------------


10. Qin told reporters that media speculation suggesting that DPRK
heir apparent Kim Jung-un had recently visited China were "totally
groundless," complaining that the media was "just obsessed," with
the story.

Yemen Airlines Plane Crash
--------------


11. Upon learning of the crash of a Yemeni airliner off the
Comoros, the Chinese government expressed condolences to the
families of victims. The MFA had instructed Chinese diplomatic
missions overseas to check with the airline -- initial checks showed
there were no Chinese citizens on board.

Ma Ying-Jeou Canceled Visit to Honduras
--------------


12. In response to reports that President Ma Ying-Jeou's trip to
South America was canceled, Qin reiterated that the One China
Principle was the basis for China to develop friendly relations with
other countries and was a "universal consensus" in the international
community. China always dealt with Taiwan related issues on the
basis of the One China Principle, he suggested.

Visits
--------------


13. Qin confirmed that Ambassador Phillip Goldberg, President
Obama's Special Coordinator for DPRK UNSCR 1874 sanctions was on his
way to visit China for July 2 meetings in Beijing with officials
from the Foreign Ministry and other authorities. China always
implemented UNSCR sanctions with a "responsible attitude" and was
ready to have communication with other countries on the
implementation of UNSCR 1874, he added.


14. Asked about meetings in Washington between China, Japan, and
the U.S. at the Director General level, Qin noted that many dialogue
mechanisms among relevant countries existed and the "passage for
communication was clear." Qin opined that similar consultative
mechanisms could also play a role in "strengthening communication"

BEIJING 00001804 003 OF 003


among relevant countries.

GOLDBERG