SEPTEMBER 1 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BURMA BORDER, NORTH KOREA,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002490 AMEMBASSY ANKARA AMEMBASSY ALGIERS AMEMBASSY KABUL AMEMBASY BUENOS AIRES AMEMBASSY BOGOTA USMISSION USUN NEW YORK NSC WASHDC CIA WASHDC DOE WASHDC SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV MNUC CH AS RS CO KN TU SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 1 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BURMA BORDER, NORTH KOREA, JAPAN ELECTION, INDIA BORDER, AFGHAN ELECTION ¶1. Key points at the September 1 MFA press briefing: -- China hoped that the Burmese Government would properly handle its domestic issue and guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens and their property in that country. -- The Burmese Government had apologized to China for Chinese casualties, thanked China for accepting those who escaped the fighting, promised to protect Chinese citizens and their property and restore peace and stability along the border. -- China had noted that the situation in North East Asia had recently become "less tense" and China hoped that all parties could work together to strengthen peace and stability in the region. -- Following the Japanese election, the spokesman called Japan "an important neighbor" adding that China was ready to strengthen cooperation and continue high-level exchanges to jointly contribute to peace and stability in the region. -- Indian accusations that China had violated its borders were false. Burma Border Clash -------------- ¶2. China hoped that the Burmese Government would properly handle its domestic issue and guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens and their property in that country said spokesperson Jiang Yu at the September 1 regularly scheduled MFA press conference. China and Burma were "friendly neighbors" and peace and stability were in the best interests of both China and Burma, said Jiang. Out of "humanitarian considerations," the Yunnan Provincial Government had accommodated over 10,000 people, some of whom had since returned home. The Yunnan Government guaranteed their safety and would provide them with daily necessities they required. The emotional state of those staying in Yunnan was "stable." ¶3. Jiang had "not heard" whether the Burmese Government warned China before it began its military operation. However, Jiang pointed out, the Burmese Government had since apologized to China for Chinese casualties, thanked China for accepting the refugees and promised to protect Chinese citizens and their property and to restore peace and stability along the border. China and Burma had remained in close contact since the start of the incident and China hoped the Burmese Government would create peaceful conditions under which those who fled Burma could return home, Jiang added. North Korea Nuclear Issue -------------- ¶4. The North Korean nuclear issue could only be resolved through political and diplomatic means, said Jiang. China had noted that the situation in North East Asia had recently become "less tense" and China hoped that all parties could work together to strengthen peace and stability in the region. ¶5. Asked about the visit then underway by DPRK Vice Foreign Minister Kim Yong-il, Jiang said Kim would exchange views on bilateral relations and other issues of common interest with officials at the MFA. The 60th anniversary of relations and year of friendship between China and North Korea were "of great significance," noted Jiang. Election in Japan -------------- ¶6. China had "taken note" of the outcome of the Japanese elections, said the spokesperson. Japan was "an important neighbor" and China was ready to strengthen cooperation and continue high level exchanges to jointly contribute to peace and stability in the region. Asked about the Yasukuni shrine issue, Jiang said that China's position on the issue was clear and Japan should treat historical issues in a manner conducive to relations with other countries. India-China Border Skirmish -------------- ¶7. The Indian Government accusations that China had violated its borders were false, said Jiang. Chinese border patrols were BEIJING 00002490 002 OF 002 conducted in accordance with established rules and China would not cross the border by land or by air. Media reports of a military conflict on the border were also "groundless" as both China and India had previously agreed that before final resolution of the border dispute, both sides would make joint efforts to maintain peace and stability in the area. Afghan Election -------------- ¶8. China had taken note of the "smooth" presidential election in Afghanistan, said Jiang. The election was an internal affair of Afghanistan and China respected the choice of the Afghan people. China hoped the country established peace and security at an early date, said Jiang. Iranian Nuclear Issue -------------- ¶9. Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei would attend the September 2nd meeting of the Political Directors General meeting on the Iranian nuclear issue to be held in Frankfurt, said Jiang. China was ready to work with other parties to seek an enduring and comprehensive settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue. Visit of Argentine Foreign Minister -------------- ¶10. Foreign Minister of Argentina, Jorge Taiana would visit Beijing and Tianjin from September 5-8, said the spokesperson. Taiana would meet with Vice President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. China's relations with Argentina had been "smooth and fruitful" with frequent high-level exchanges, mutual trust and sound cooperation in international affairs. The upcoming visit would strengthen the strategic partnership, said Jiang. Health of Colombian FM -------------- ¶11. Press accounts reporting that Colombian President Alvaro Uribe had contracted H1N1 prompted press questions about the health of a Colombian delegation visiting Beijing. The spokesperson advised that Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez had had a physical exam following his arrival in China, and was found to be in good health. Bermudez would continue his visit and would meet with Xi Jinping and Yang Jiechi in addition to other officials. Dalai Lama Taiwan Visit -------------- ¶12. Jiang referred questions on the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan to relevant authorities. Anniversary of WWII -------------- ¶13. Noting that September 1 marked the 70th anniversary of the Nazi invasion of Poland, the spokesman advised reporters that to remember history was to create a better future. Jiang added that China hoped for a better outlook for stability and enduring peace in the future. HUNTSMAN