DECEMBER 3, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CLIMATE CHANGE, SOUTH

UNCLAS BEIJING 003239 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PARM MNUC MARR SENV CH AF IR CA RS SUBJECT: DECEMBER 3, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CLIMATE CHANGE, SOUTH ASIAN SECURITY, REPATRIATION ISSUES WITH CANADA ¶1. Key points at the December 3 MFA press briefing were: -- China believes developing countries such as China and India do not have an "obligation" to binding initial carbon reduction targets. -- China hopes to cooperate and sustain the momentum on dialogue with the United States regarding South Asian security. -- While China maintains that Lai Changxing should be repatriated from Canada, China will not grant consular access to Hussein Celil, a Canadian citizen of Chinese Uighur descent currently detained in China. No "Obligation" on Climate Change -------------- ¶2. At the December 3 regularly scheduled Foreign Ministry press briefing, Spokesperson Qin Gang briefed on China's objectives for the upcoming UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. Qin noted that China advocated adherence to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC),Kyoto Protocol, and the Bali roadmap. The UNFCC principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities" should be observed in order to reach consensus. Qin noted that developed countries should establish a reduction plan including financial support and technology transfers to developing countries for sustainable development. ¶3. Qin also stated that developing countries, such as China and India, were victims of climate change and, as such, did not have an obligation to binding initial carbon reduction targets. Qin claimed that China and India, in particular, held similar positions, concerns, and demands. Qin stated that developed countries should first demonstrate "substantial" carbon reduction. Cooperation in South Asia -------------- ¶4. China hoped the international community would contribute to establishing peace and stability in South Asia while fully respecting those countries' independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, said Qin. When asked to comment on President Obama's announcement of a troop surge in Afghanistan, Qin responded that China hoped to sustain the momentum of the dialogue with the United States on these regional issues. The U.S.-China Joint Statement issued during President Obama's November 2009 visit highlighted related efforts by both sides to establish peace and stability in Afghanistan, he concluded. Measured Stance against Iran's Nuclear Program -------------- -- ¶5. Qin emphasized that China's support for a resolution of the Iran nuclear issue through dialogue and negotiation rather than sanctions did not contradict China's vote in favor of the resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calling Iran to clarify all outstanding issues involving its nuclear program. Qin asserted that China supported non-proliferation efforts, as well as building peace and stability in the Middle East. Repatriation Issues with Canada -------------- ¶6. When asked to comment on outstanding repatriation issues between China and Canada, Qin stated that Lai Changxing, a Chinese citizen who has been in Canada since 1999, was a criminal and should be repatriated by the Canadian government. Asked whether or not China would grant Canada consular access to Hussein Celil, a Canadian citizen of Chinese Uighur descent, Qin responded that Celil was Chinese and a member of the East Turkestan Independence Movement. The UN had declared the East Turkestan Independence Movement a terrorist organization and the Chinese government would handle Celil's case as an internal affair, Qin declared. 4th China-Russia Strategic Security Consultation -------------- --- ¶7. Qin announced that the fourth session of the China-Russia Strategic Security Consultations would be held December 7 between Dai Bingguo and Russian Security Council Secretary Nikolay Petrushev. HUNTSMAN