DECEMBER 17, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: COPENHAGEN TALKS, XI

UNCLAS BEIJING 003380 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM SENV ETRD CH KS KN CB SUBJECT: DECEMBER 17, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: COPENHAGEN TALKS, XI JINPING IN SOUTH KOREA, UIGHURS IN CAMBODIA ¶1. Key points at the December 17 MFA press briefing were: -- China supports cooperative efforts to reach a "fair, reasonable, balanced, and achievable" result at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. -- During a visit to South Korea, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with President Lee Myung-bak to discuss building "strategic partnership cooperation." -- The 22 Uighurs seeking asylum in Cambodia are "involved in crimes" and are being investigated by Chinese authorities. End Summary China's Role in the Copenhagen Conference -------------- ¶2. At the December 17 regularly scheduled Foreign Ministry press briefing, Spokesperson Jiang Yu said that China would play a constructive role and enhance cooperative efforts to reach a "fair, reasonable, balanced, and achievable" result at the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. China had always maintained a positive and constructive approach to the Copenhagen Conference negotiations, Jiang claimed. ¶3. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao would attend multiple bilateral meetings in Copenhagen December 17 before giving a keynote speech to the conference on December 18. Although information on Wen's scheduled meetings had not been released, Jiang noted that Wen's speech would state China's position on combating climate change and enhancing cooperation. Jiang also asserted that Denmark, as the host of the UN Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen, should make "unremitting efforts" towards positive results. Xi Jinping in South Korea -------------- ¶4. Jiang announced that during his visit to Seoul, Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with President Lee Myung-bak December 17 to discuss "strategic partnership cooperation" between China and South Korea. Jiang said Xi told Lee that China supported safeguarding the peace and stability of the Korean peninsula, as well as reconciliation between the two Koreas. Xi encouraged South Korea to seize current opportunities to make joint efforts to create conditions favorable to resuming the Six-Party Talks. ¶5. During a luncheon hosted by South Korea's business community, Xi outlined a proposal to promote PRC-ROK trade. The details of the proposal, Jiang stated, would be available in future press statements. Uighur Asylum Seekers -------------- ¶6. The 22 Uighurs seeking asylum in Cambodia were "involved in crimes" and were being investigated by Chinese authorities, said Jiang, adding that international refugee protection systems should not be a means for criminals to evade lawful punishment. Xi Jinping to Cambodia -------------- ¶7. Chinese Vice President Xi would meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen and Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni during a trip to Cambodia December 20-22. Jiang emphasized that China hoped Xi's visit would help foster good relations, active cooperation, and friendship with Cambodia. GOLDBERG