FEBRUARY 3 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S.-CHINA BILATERAL

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000255 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM ETRD CH KN XG IN PK KS RP UK SA ML, SG, TZ, MP, BB, BF, AR, EL, GM, IT SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 3 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S.-CHINA BILATERAL RELATIONS, RELATIONS WITH INDIA AND PAKISTAN, NORTH KOREA MISSILE TEST ¶1. Key points at the February 3 MFA Press Briefing: -- China is ready to work with the United States to promote bilateral relations. -- China is a friend of both India and Pakistan and hopes the two countries will "proceed from the interests of regional stability and promote the peace process in South Asia." -- China has "taken note" of press reports stating that North Korea is preparing for a missile test, but "does not have details." -- China has "undisputable sovereign rights" over the Nansha islands and surrounding waters. -- China is "resolutely against" U.S. sanctions for Chinese companies "based on so called domestic law." China-U.S. Relations -------------- ¶2. China and the United States have maintained "close communication" since the inauguration of President Barack Obama, said spokesperson Jiang Yu at the February 3 regularly scheduled MFA press conference. Jiang noted that Obama and Chinese President Hu Jintao have spoken on the phone as have Secretary Clinton and Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi. China is "ready to work with the United States to promote bilateral relations," said Jiang. China will also "stick to the road of peaceful development." Regarding economic relations, leaders in both countries would like to "maintain trade cooperation" and both Hu and Obama have "stressed the importance of macro-economic cooperation," said Jiang. Asked about Secretary Clinton's reported trip to China, Jiang said that "high level visits are important" and the two sides are "in close contact" regarding the Secretary's visit. China's Relations with India and Pakistan -------------- ¶3. China and India are "cooperative partners" and "not competitors," and the relationship is "conducive to world peace and regional stability," said Jiang. China is "also a friend of Pakistan" and hopes that Pakistan and India will "proceed from the interests of regional stability and promote the peace process in South Asia." China maintains a policy of "good neighborly relations" with bordering countries. North Korean Missile Preparations -------------- ¶4. China has "taken note" of press reports stating that North Korea is preparing for a missile test, but "does not have details," said Jiang. As a "close neighbor," China hopes that North and South Korea can "work together." Asked about the Six-Party Talks, Jiang said the Talks had "made important progress" and China "hopes the six parties can work together to play a constructive role in maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula." Nansha Islands -------------- ¶5. Asked about a bill currently being considered in the Philippines that would lay claim to the disputed Nansha Islands, Jiang said that China has "undisputable sovereign rights" over the islands and surrounding waters. "Due to the efforts of all parties, the region is currently stable," said Jiang. Parties should not take actions which "might lead to disputes or complications" in order to "protect the stability of the region." Sanctions against Chinese Companies -------------- ¶6. China has "noted" the recent U.S. sanctions against two Chinese BEIJING 00000255 002 OF 002 companies, said Jiang. The position of the Chinese government on nonproliferation is "clear," however, China is "resolutely against" U.S. sanctions for Chinese companies "based on so called domestic law." China-EU Summit -------------- ¶7. Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao has "stressed that the China-EU Summit should resume as soon as possible," said Jiang. Jiang added that "both sides" are working on the issue. Wen Jiabao Shoe Throwing Incident -------------- ¶8. The throwing of a shoe at Prime Minister Wen Jiabao during his visit to the UK was "disruptive" and "despicable" said Jiang. The British police will handle the incident according to law and the incident will "not stem the tide of China-British relations." Wen's trip to the United Kingdom was "well received" and "achieved great success." Asked why the MFA spokesperson made a joke about a similar incident involving President Bush but takes this incident seriously, Jiang said that she felt that "both comments are proper." Visits -------------- ¶9. Hu Jintao will visit Saudia Arabia, Mali, Senegal, Tanzania and Mauritius from February 10-17. Deputy Vice Premier Hui Liangyu will visit Argentina, Ecuador, Barbados and the Bahamas from February 7-19. Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi will visit Germany on February 4 and Rome on February 5. PICCUTA