FEBRUARY 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CLIMATE CHANGE, SECRETARY'S

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000431 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM SENV CH KS PK SUBJECT: FEBRUARY 19 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CLIMATE CHANGE, SECRETARY'S VISIT, GUANTANAMO BAY UIGHURS ¶1. Key points at the February 19 MFA Press Briefing: -- China "takes a positive attitude towards strengthening cooperation" on climate change and would "like to work with the United States." -- Good relations between the United States and China are "conducive to peace and stability" and in the mutual interest of both nations. -- The United States should "hand over the Chinese terror suspects" being held at Guantanamo Bay so that China can "handle their cases according to law." -- China has sent consular officials to deal with the aftermath of a February 15 accident involving a Chinese cargo ship near Russia. Climate Change -------------- ¶2. Climate change is a "common challenge faced by the international community" and should be "tackled together," said MFA spokesperson Jiang Yu at the February 19 press conference. Both the United States and China are "major countries" and tackling the issue is "in the interests of both." China "takes a positive attitude toward strengthening cooperation" and would "like to work with the United States." Jiang said that China's "determination and resolve" has not been diminished by the financial crisis. China also hopes to see positive results from the COP 15 UN Climate Change Congress to take place in Copenhagen, said Jiang. Visit of Secretary of State -------------- ¶3. The spokesperson would "not predict" what issues will be discussed during Secretary of State Clinton's visit to China. However, Jiang said that "the two sides will exchange views on bilateral relations" and other issues of mutual interest. China hopes the visit will "strengthen dialogue," and "increase mutual trust in the new era." Regarding bilateral relations with the United States, Jiang said that good relations are "conducive to peace and stability" and in the mutual interest of both nations. Guantanamo Bay Uighurs -------------- ¶4. The United States should "hand over the Chinese terror suspects" being held in Guantanamo Bay so that China can "handle their cases according to law," said Jiang. She added that the Chinese, who are ethnically Uighur, are suspected of being "members of the East Turkestan Islamic Movement," which has been declared a terrorist organization by the UN Security Council. Taiwan Issue and Relations with the United States -------------- -------------- ¶5. The "one China policy" is an "important basis" and China hopes "relevant countries can stick to their commitments," said Jiang. China also hopes that the United States "can stick to the three joint communiques covering the issue" and "support the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties." Chinese Cargo Ship Incident -------------- ¶6. China has sent consular officials to deal with the aftermath of a February 15 incident involving a Chinese-owned, Sierre Leone-flagged cargo ship that was reportedly fired upon and sunk by the Russian navy near Nakhodka, Russia. Jiang said that three Chinese crew members have been rescued and seven are still missing. China has "made representations to the Russian side" asking for an "effective investigation and help in finding the missing sailors." Jiang noted that the rescue efforts are ongoing. Xi Jinping in Brazil -------------- ¶7. Both China and Brazil are "large developing nations" and good relations between the two is "conducive to expanding the voice of developing countries," said Jiang. China will release information on any agreements signed by Vice President Xi Jinping during his trip to Brazil "at the appropriate time." Jiang noted that China and Brazil have been "deepening bilateral relations and increasing trade." China-France Bilateral Relations -------------- ¶8. The "difficulties" in France-China bilateral relations are "not BEIJING 00000431 002 OF 002 the responsibility of China," said Jiang. France should "take positive regard of China's position and effective action to bring the relationship back on track." As part of the disposal of Yves Saint Laurent's estate in Paris, Christie's plans to auction two Chinese statues that were looted by Franco-British troops during the 1860 Second Opium War destruction of Beijing's Old Summer Palace. Asked about the planned sale, Jiang referred the reporter to the Ministry of Culture, but noted that France should take notice of the "position of the Chinese government and the feelings of the Chinese people." Visit of Pakistan President -------------- ¶9. China is "looking forward to" and "attaches great importance to" the visit of Pakistan President Asif Zardari. State Councilor Dai Bingguo will travel to Hubei to meet with Zardari. Opium Commemoration -------------- ¶10. China will hold events in Shanghai from February 26-27 to commemorate the 1909 meeting of the International Opium Commission, said the spokesperson. CASS Professor Arrested? -------------- ¶11. Asked about reports that China Academy of Social Science professor Jin Xide has been arrested for divulging secrets regarding the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, Jiang said that she had "seen the reports" but had no information about the issue. Visit of South Korea Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade -------------- -------------- ¶12. South Korean Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade will visit China from February 24-25. PICCUTA