NOVEMBER 24, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: LIANG GUANGLIE'S DPRK

UNCLAS BEIJING 003163 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM ECON SENV PHSA CH IN KN RP SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 24, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: LIANG GUANGLIE'S DPRK VISIT, INDIA'S MISSILE TEST, DE XIN HAI RESCUE EFFORTS ¶1. Key points at the November 24 MFA press briefing: -- The PRC views Liang Guanglie's visit to the DPRK as a "normal exchange" between the two militaries. -- The PRC supports U.S.-DPRK dialogue in advance of U.S. Ambassador Bosworth's trip to the DPRK. -- The PRC states that India's ballistic missile test is a matter of "internal affairs." Liang Guanglie's DPRK Visit -------------- ¶2. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang noted at the November 24 regularly scheduled press briefing that PRC State Councilor and Defense Minister Liang Guanglie visited North Korea November 22-26. The visit, Qin said, was a "normal exchange" between the militaries of the PRC and DPRK. He added that the PRC "promoted and safeguarded" the continuation of exchanges between the two militaries. Six-Party Talks Opportunity -------------- ¶3. Qin expressed PRC support for a "U.S.-DPRK dialogue" in advance of Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth's planned trip to the DPRK on December 8. When asked about the PRC's perspective on any breakthroughs in the Six-Party Talks, Qin stated that the PRC viewed the Six-Party Talks as facing an important opportunity that would require joint efforts on all sides. He noted that the PRC supported peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula. India's Ballistic Missile Test -------------- ¶4. Turning to India's nuclear-capable intermediate-range Agni-II ballistic missile test on November 24, Qin stated that the PRC did not have a position on India's actions since they pertained to India's internal affairs. Qin added that China hoped India would contribute to regional peace and stability. "De Xin Hai" Hijacking -------------- ¶5. When asked about details of the status of the Chinese merchant ship hijacked off the Horn of Africa, "De Xin Hai," Qin said that negotiation efforts to rescue the vessel and its 25 crew members were ongoing. He could offer no further comment. Tourist Attack in Philippines -------------- ¶6. China was shocked by and condemned the attack carried out by Chinese national Zhongren Li in Saipan that left four dead and many others wounded. The PRC viewed this incident as a terrorist attack and offered condolences to the bereaved families. China's Stake in Kashmir -------------- ¶7. When asked to comment on statements made by Kashmiri nationalist Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chair of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference, regarding China's stake in the Kashmir peace process, spokesman Qin stated that Kashmir was an issue between India and Pakistan left over by history. The PRC hoped both sides could properly resolve the issue through dialogue and negotiations as promptly as possible, he added. 12th China-EU Summit -------------- ¶8. Qin announced that the 12th China-EU Summit would be held in Nanjing on November 30. HUNTSMAN