Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING692
2009-03-17 12:05:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

MARCH 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: NORTH KOREAN PREMIER VISIT,

Tags:  PHUM PGOV PHSA PBTS PREL PARM SU PG ES BU PK JP 
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VZCZCXRO1537
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #0692/01 0761205
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 171205Z MAR 09
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 2928
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHKH/AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM 0255
RUEHIL/AMEMBASSY ISLAMABAD 6867
RUEHSN/AMEMBASSY SAN SALVADOR 0246
RUEHSF/AMEMBASSY SOFIA 0795
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000692 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PHSA PBTS PREL PARM SU PG ES BU PK JP
KN, KS, TW, AS
SUBJECT: MARCH 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: NORTH KOREAN PREMIER VISIT,
DPRK "SATELLITE" LAUNCH, GAO ZHISHENG'S FAMILY, SPRATLY ISLANDS,
ICC/SUDAN, TAIWAN ARMS SALES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000692

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PHUM PGOV PHSA PBTS PREL PARM SU PG ES BU PK JP
KN, KS, TW, AS
SUBJECT: MARCH 17 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: NORTH KOREAN PREMIER VISIT,
DPRK "SATELLITE" LAUNCH, GAO ZHISHENG'S FAMILY, SPRATLY ISLANDS,
ICC/SUDAN, TAIWAN ARMS SALES


1. Key points at the March 17 MFA press briefing:

-- North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il arrived in Beijing today, March
17, for an official visit.

-- China is "concerned" about the situation on the Korean peninsula,
which is "complicated with an increasing number of uncertain
factors." China has "noted" North Korea's plans to launch a "test
satellite" and supports resuming the Six-Party Talks.

-- The spokesperson denied that Gao Zhisheng's family was subjected
to persecution, stating that he was "unaware" of PRC demands that
the family return to China.

-- Regarding the deployment of a PRC fisheries patrol ship to the
Spratly Islands, Qin said, "China has indisputable sovereignty over
the islands and its adjacent waters in the South China Sea."

-- China hopes the UN Security Council will consider the "different
views" of Arab League and African Union countries opposed to the
International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant for Sudan
President Bashir.

-- In response to a question regarding Taiwan's Quadrennial Defense
Review and plans to buy F-16s, the spokesperson said, "We hope the
United States will abide by the August 17 Communique," "stop
military sales to Taiwan" and "avoid endangering peace in the Taiwan
Strait."

Visit by North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il
--------------


2. At the regularly scheduled March 17 MFA press briefing,
spokesperson Qin Gang said that China has "noted the announcement by
DPRK to test a satellite" and acknowledged that the current
situation on the Korean Peninsula is "complicated with an increasing
number of uncertain factors." China is "concerned," and because
"peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula is in the interest of

all parties," the Chinese Government hopes that "relevant parties
can settle the issues through dialogue and exercise restraint."


3. Qin said North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il arrived in Beijing
today, March 17, for an official visit. Kim will meet President Hu
Jintao, Premier Wen Jiabao and NPC Chairman Wu Bangguo and will
attend ceremonies commemorating the 60th anniversary of the
establishment of diplomatic relations between China and North Korea.
Asked whether the resumption of the Six-Party Talks will be
discussed with the DPRK premier, Qin replied that "the two sides can
discuss any issues of common interest," and that China supports the
Six-Party Talks as a "useful mechanism toward normalizing
relations." Scheduling actual dates "depends on when conditions are
ripe and if all parties are willing," Qin said.

Escape of Gao Zhisheng's Family
--------------


4. Asked if China was insisting on the return of Gao Zhisheng's
family, Qin said he had not heard of such any such demands. Qin
denied that Gao's family had been subjected to persecution by the
Chinese Government, asserting that Gao "is a criminal sentenced
because he broke Chinese law." Gao's case was being handled in
accordance to law, Qin added.

Territorial Claims to Spratly Islands
--------------


5. Regarding the deployment of a Chinese fisheries patrol ship to
the Spratly Islands, Qin said the vessel was on a "routine fisheries
mission." "China has indisputable sovereignty over the islands and
its adjacent waters in the South China Sea," he said.

ICC Arrest Warrant for Sudan's Bashir
--------------


6. Regarding the ICC-issued arrest warrant for Sudan President Omar
Hassan al-Bashir, Qin said that China has been involved in dialogue
in the UN Security Council, noting that some countries in the
African Union and Arab League hold "different views" on the warrant.
The Chinese Government hopes such concerns will be taken into
consideration by the UN Security Council to avoid negatively
impacting the peace process in Darfur.

Taiwan Arms Sales
--------------


7. In response to a question regarding Taiwan's Quadrennial Defense

BEIJING 00000692 002 OF 002


Review and plans to buy F-16s, the spokesperson said China is
"always opposed to arms sales to Taiwan." "We hope the United
States will abide by the August 17 Communique," "stop military sales
to Taiwan" and "avoid endangering peace in the Taiwan Strait," Qin
stated.

Bombing in Ganzi, Sichuan
--------------


8. In response to a question about yesterday's bombing of a
government building in the predominantly Tibetan area of Ganzi
Prefecture, Sichuan Province, Qin said police are conducting an
investigation and will take action accordingly.

Pakistan
--------------


9. When asked about China's reaction to the political situation in
Pakistan, Qin responded that as "a good neighbor," China hopes
Pakistan will "maintain stability and economic development," which
are essential for peace throughout the region.

El Salvador Elections
--------------


10. Asked to comment on the general elections in El Salvador, Qin
said the Chinese Government noted how smoothly the elections
proceeded and that "China always attaches great importance" to the
friendly relationship between the two countries.

Upcoming Visits
--------------


11. In response to a question about the possible postponement of a
visit to China by Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso, Qin said the PRC
and Japan are currently "in discussions" over the matter. The
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Bulgaria, Ivaylo
Kalfin, will visit China March 21-25. Australia's Minister for
Foreign Affairs Stephen Smith will visit China March 24-27.

PICCUTA