NOVEMBER 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: OPPOSITION TO JEWISH

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003138 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PHSA CH IS KN AF IN VM JA SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: OPPOSITION TO JEWISH SETTLEMENTS, U.S. ENVOY VISIT TO NORTH KOREA, STRENGTHENING SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS ¶1. Key points at the November 19 MFA press briefing: -- China opposes Israel's plans to build new Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, viewing the move as likely to undermine trust and security in the region. -- The decision not to accept journalist questions following the meeting between President Obama and President Hu was reached by both countries. -- China supports the upcoming planned visit to North Korea of U.S. Special Envoy on North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth and hopes that bilateral dialogue between the United States and North Korea will lead to the resumption of the Six Party Talks and to peace on the Korean peninsula. -- The Chinese Foreign Minister is on an official visit in Japan, and China believes that regular high-level visits between the two countries will advance the strategic Sino- Japanese relationship and enhance dialogue and coordination. Israeli Plans to Build New Jewish Settlements -------------- --- ¶2. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang noted at the November 19 regularly scheduled press briefing that China is concerned by Israel's recent approval of plans to build new Jewish settlements in East Jerusalem, adding that China opposes the plan and any other action that undermines trust and security in the region. No Questions Taken at Obama-Hu Press Conference -------------- -- ¶3. When asked why China was the only country in President Obama's trip to East Asia not to accept journalist questions following the meeting between the two countries' leaders, Qin explained that decisions regarding this and other aspects of the visit were reached by both countries. Qin added that the presence of such a large number of journalists at the event was evidence that valuable information had been relayed even in the absence of opening the floor to questions. Hijacked Chinese Vessel -------------- ¶4. Regarding the Chinese-flagged vessel De Xin Hai, Qin noted that the Chinese government is making an "all-out effort" to rescue the ship with full consideration for the safety of the sailors. Qin added that in the interests of the sailors and the Chinese effort to rescue them, he could provide no further details on the situation. Sino-Japanese Relations -------------- ¶5. Qin confirmed that the Chinese Foreign Minister is on an official visit in Japan, though he would not confirm whether one purpose of this trip is to pave the way for a visit by President Hu Jintao. Qin added that regular high-level visits between the two countries are designed to advance the strategic Sino-Japanese relationship and enhance dialogue and coordination and that, as neighbors, China hopes to continually strengthen bilateral relations with Japan. Land Border Issues -------------- ¶6. When asked about China's recent agreement with Vietnam on the two countries' land border -- and about China's ongoing disagreement with India over their shared border -- Qin noted that China's position is to resolve border disputes peacefully, being sure to analyze the effect on international relations. Qin noted that discussions with India on this topic are in progress as both sides look for an acceptable resolution. Talking about the Six Party Talks -------------- ¶7. Qin noted that China supports the upcoming planned visit to North Korea of U.S. Special Envoy for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth, and that China hopes bilateral dialogue between the United States and North Korea will lead to the resumption of the Six Party Talks and to peace on the Korean BEIJING 00003138 002 OF 002 peninsula. Alleged Corruption in Afghanistan -------------- ¶8. Qin said he has no details regarding allegations that China Metallurgical Group had provided a USD 30 million bribe to Afghan Minister of Mines Mohammed Ibrahim Adel in late 2007 in order to win a large copper mining contract in Logar province. Qin added that China supports the Afghan government and efforts to improve the country's economic infrastructure, and that China wishes to congratulate Afghan President Hamid Karzai on his recent re-election. HUNTSMAN