Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09BEIJING713
2009-03-19 23:00:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:
March 19 MFA Press Briefing: The Impeccable, AmCits on the
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000713
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN MARR MASS PHUM CH KS KN FR JA ES
SUBJECT: March 19 MFA Press Briefing: The Impeccable, AmCits on the
DPRK Border, Coca-Cola and Huiyuan
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 03 BEIJING 000713
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN MARR MASS PHUM CH KS KN FR JA ES
SUBJECT: March 19 MFA Press Briefing: The Impeccable, AmCits on the
DPRK Border, Coca-Cola and Huiyuan
1. Key points at the March 19 MFA press briefing:
-- The United States violated Chinese and International Law by
conducting activities in China's Exclusive Economic Zone.
-- China is investigating the incident involving American Citizens
on the DPRK border.
-- Ambassador Wu Sike, the Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, will replace
Ambassador Sun Bigan as Chinese Special Envoy for the Middle East.
-- The rejection of Coca-Cola's bid to purchase Chinese drink
manufacturer Huiyuan is in keeping with China's anti-monopoly laws
and is not protectionism.
-- A group of Tibetan officials recently visited the United States
to give "the true picture" of Tibet.
-- While China would welcome the establishment of diplomatic
relations with El Salvador, the one-China principle has not changed.
-- Regulations prohibit Chinese citizens from independently
reporting for foreign news organizations.
-- China hopes France can take positive measures to bring bilateral
relations back to normal development.
-- China has taken note of the U.S. issuance of Treasury Bonds, and
hopes that it is effective in stimulating the U.S. economy.
Impeccable Incident and the South China Sea
--------------
2. "The USNS Impeccable violated international and Chinese law and
conducted activities in China's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the
South China Sea without China's permission," MFA spokesperson Ma
Zhaoxu said at the regularly-scheduled March 19 MFA press briefing.
He urged the United States to "take effective measures to avoid
similar incidents in the future." When asked about increasing
Chinese patrols near the Spratly Islands, the spokesman said that
China maintains "indisputable" sovereignty over the area and is
justified in exercising its sovereign rights in the area.
Americans on the DPRK Border
--------------
3. Asked for confirmation of the abduction of two American citizens
by North Korean soldiers, the spokesperson said that China is
investigating the incident. Asked specifically to confirm the
nationalities of the people involved, as well as whether North
Korean soldiers frequently cross into Chinese territory, the
spokesman stated he had no further information on the matter.
Kim Yong-il's Visit to China
--------------
3. Asked about North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il's March 18 visit to
Beijing and his meetings with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and
Premier Wen Jiabao, the spokesman said that the two sides had
in-depth discussions and exchanged views on bilateral relations and
issues of common interest. The increase in communication and
coordination between the two sides will be conducive to regional
peace and stability. When asked specifically if the Six-Party Talks
or North Korea's satellite test were discussed, the spokesman
responded that Premier Wen Jiabao said the parties should "push for
the Six-Party Talks" and that China wants to play a constructive
role in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Asked about
timing of resuming talks and whether China is urging the DPRK to
cancel its planned satellite test, the spokesman responded that
China would like the Six-Party Talks to resume as soon as possible
but that "conditions must be ripe" and all six parties must agree on
a date. China will continue to consult and coordinate with other
parties to promote peace talks and contribute to denuclearization.
Restrictions on Journalism Organizations
--------------
4. Asked a question regarding a Human Rights Watch report that
BEIJING 00000713 002 OF 003
stated China is tightening controls on foreign journalism
organizations by placing restrictions on their Chinese employees,
the spokesman responded that relevant regulations in China stipulate
that Chinese citizens may not independently report for foreign news
agencies but can work in supporting roles. "Conditions are not yet
ripe" for Chinese citizens to do independent reporting. China
welcomes foreign news organizations and will continue to support
them, and as such, the accusations are groundless. Ma expressed
hope that journalists will abide by all Chinese laws, which will be
conducive to their reporting activities.
Coca-Cola's Bid for Huiyuan
--------------
5. The rejection of Coca-Cola's bid to purchase Chinese drink
manufacturer Huiyuan is in keeping with China's anti-monopoly laws
and is not related to trade protectionism, the spokesman said.
China's policies of reform and opening up have not changed, he said,
noting that in the Chinese marketplace, Coke products compete with
Chinese drinks as well as with beverages from all around the world.
Asked if China feared a backlash against Chinese investments in
sensitive industries around the world, such as mining, the
spokesperson reiterated that the decision is not protectionism.
China will continue its open market policies and continues to
welcome foreign investment.
Tibetan Leaders Visit the United States
--------------
6. The delegation of officials from Tibet that visited the United
States included deputies to the National People's Congress, the
spokesman said. The group held exchanges in political and academic
circles to increase the understanding of Americans regarding the
"true picture of Tibet."
El Salvador to Recognize Both China and Taiwan?
-------------- --
7. Asked about rumors that El Salvador's new president may consider
establishing diplomatic relations with China while maintaining its
relations with Taiwan, the spokesman said that no matter what
changes occur in the world, the PRC's one-China principle will never
change. In the spirit of the UN Charter and the five principles of
peaceful existence, China welcomes relations with El Salvador. The
Chinese people have friendly feelings towards the people of El
Salvador and are ready to have mutual cooperation with them.
Hu Jintao and Nicolas Sarkozy to Meet at G-20?
-------------- -
8. Asked whether Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President
Nicolas Sarkozy would meet at the G-20 summit in London, the
spokesman responded that both Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and
Premier Wen Jiabao have expressed China's position on relations with
France. While China has always placed great importance on its
relations with France, the current problems in the bilateral
relationship are known to all. China hopes France can take positive
measures to bring bilateral relations back to normal development.
Issuance of U.S. Treasury Bonds
--------------
9. China has taken note of the U.S. Government's attempt to increase
liquidity through the issuance of Treasury Bonds, the spokesman
said. China hopes that the measures are effective in stimulating
the U.S. economy and helping other countries in the world to develop
their economies in a healthy manner. He expressed hope that China's
assets in the United States remain safe.
Japan in the Fight Against Somali Piracy
--------------
10. Regarding Japan sending ships from its Maritime Self-Defense
Forces to help fight Somali piracy, the spokesman said that China
upholds the view that within the UN framework and relevant
international law, all countries should cooperate to help fight
piracy.
Chinese and Japanese Defense Ministers
--------------
BEIJING 00000713 003 OF 003
11. The spokesman said the Chinese and Japanese Defense Ministers
will meet in Beijing March 20 for consultations. Enhanced
communication between the two sides will be conducive to the
development of long-term bilateral relations, he said.
New Special Envoy for the Middle East
--------------
12. Ambassador Wu Sike, the current Chinese Ambassador to Egypt,
will replace Sun Bigan as China's Middle East Envoy, the spokesman
said. Prior to his position as Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Wu
also served as the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the First
Representative Plenipotentiary to the League of Arab Nations.
13. VISITS: Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin will visit China
March 29-31.
PICCUTA
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV EFIN MARR MASS PHUM CH KS KN FR JA ES
SUBJECT: March 19 MFA Press Briefing: The Impeccable, AmCits on the
DPRK Border, Coca-Cola and Huiyuan
1. Key points at the March 19 MFA press briefing:
-- The United States violated Chinese and International Law by
conducting activities in China's Exclusive Economic Zone.
-- China is investigating the incident involving American Citizens
on the DPRK border.
-- Ambassador Wu Sike, the Chinese Ambassador to Egypt, will replace
Ambassador Sun Bigan as Chinese Special Envoy for the Middle East.
-- The rejection of Coca-Cola's bid to purchase Chinese drink
manufacturer Huiyuan is in keeping with China's anti-monopoly laws
and is not protectionism.
-- A group of Tibetan officials recently visited the United States
to give "the true picture" of Tibet.
-- While China would welcome the establishment of diplomatic
relations with El Salvador, the one-China principle has not changed.
-- Regulations prohibit Chinese citizens from independently
reporting for foreign news organizations.
-- China hopes France can take positive measures to bring bilateral
relations back to normal development.
-- China has taken note of the U.S. issuance of Treasury Bonds, and
hopes that it is effective in stimulating the U.S. economy.
Impeccable Incident and the South China Sea
--------------
2. "The USNS Impeccable violated international and Chinese law and
conducted activities in China's exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the
South China Sea without China's permission," MFA spokesperson Ma
Zhaoxu said at the regularly-scheduled March 19 MFA press briefing.
He urged the United States to "take effective measures to avoid
similar incidents in the future." When asked about increasing
Chinese patrols near the Spratly Islands, the spokesman said that
China maintains "indisputable" sovereignty over the area and is
justified in exercising its sovereign rights in the area.
Americans on the DPRK Border
--------------
3. Asked for confirmation of the abduction of two American citizens
by North Korean soldiers, the spokesperson said that China is
investigating the incident. Asked specifically to confirm the
nationalities of the people involved, as well as whether North
Korean soldiers frequently cross into Chinese territory, the
spokesman stated he had no further information on the matter.
Kim Yong-il's Visit to China
--------------
3. Asked about North Korean Premier Kim Yong-il's March 18 visit to
Beijing and his meetings with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and
Premier Wen Jiabao, the spokesman said that the two sides had
in-depth discussions and exchanged views on bilateral relations and
issues of common interest. The increase in communication and
coordination between the two sides will be conducive to regional
peace and stability. When asked specifically if the Six-Party Talks
or North Korea's satellite test were discussed, the spokesman
responded that Premier Wen Jiabao said the parties should "push for
the Six-Party Talks" and that China wants to play a constructive
role in the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. Asked about
timing of resuming talks and whether China is urging the DPRK to
cancel its planned satellite test, the spokesman responded that
China would like the Six-Party Talks to resume as soon as possible
but that "conditions must be ripe" and all six parties must agree on
a date. China will continue to consult and coordinate with other
parties to promote peace talks and contribute to denuclearization.
Restrictions on Journalism Organizations
--------------
4. Asked a question regarding a Human Rights Watch report that
BEIJING 00000713 002 OF 003
stated China is tightening controls on foreign journalism
organizations by placing restrictions on their Chinese employees,
the spokesman responded that relevant regulations in China stipulate
that Chinese citizens may not independently report for foreign news
agencies but can work in supporting roles. "Conditions are not yet
ripe" for Chinese citizens to do independent reporting. China
welcomes foreign news organizations and will continue to support
them, and as such, the accusations are groundless. Ma expressed
hope that journalists will abide by all Chinese laws, which will be
conducive to their reporting activities.
Coca-Cola's Bid for Huiyuan
--------------
5. The rejection of Coca-Cola's bid to purchase Chinese drink
manufacturer Huiyuan is in keeping with China's anti-monopoly laws
and is not related to trade protectionism, the spokesman said.
China's policies of reform and opening up have not changed, he said,
noting that in the Chinese marketplace, Coke products compete with
Chinese drinks as well as with beverages from all around the world.
Asked if China feared a backlash against Chinese investments in
sensitive industries around the world, such as mining, the
spokesperson reiterated that the decision is not protectionism.
China will continue its open market policies and continues to
welcome foreign investment.
Tibetan Leaders Visit the United States
--------------
6. The delegation of officials from Tibet that visited the United
States included deputies to the National People's Congress, the
spokesman said. The group held exchanges in political and academic
circles to increase the understanding of Americans regarding the
"true picture of Tibet."
El Salvador to Recognize Both China and Taiwan?
-------------- --
7. Asked about rumors that El Salvador's new president may consider
establishing diplomatic relations with China while maintaining its
relations with Taiwan, the spokesman said that no matter what
changes occur in the world, the PRC's one-China principle will never
change. In the spirit of the UN Charter and the five principles of
peaceful existence, China welcomes relations with El Salvador. The
Chinese people have friendly feelings towards the people of El
Salvador and are ready to have mutual cooperation with them.
Hu Jintao and Nicolas Sarkozy to Meet at G-20?
-------------- -
8. Asked whether Chinese President Hu Jintao and French President
Nicolas Sarkozy would meet at the G-20 summit in London, the
spokesman responded that both Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and
Premier Wen Jiabao have expressed China's position on relations with
France. While China has always placed great importance on its
relations with France, the current problems in the bilateral
relationship are known to all. China hopes France can take positive
measures to bring bilateral relations back to normal development.
Issuance of U.S. Treasury Bonds
--------------
9. China has taken note of the U.S. Government's attempt to increase
liquidity through the issuance of Treasury Bonds, the spokesman
said. China hopes that the measures are effective in stimulating
the U.S. economy and helping other countries in the world to develop
their economies in a healthy manner. He expressed hope that China's
assets in the United States remain safe.
Japan in the Fight Against Somali Piracy
--------------
10. Regarding Japan sending ships from its Maritime Self-Defense
Forces to help fight Somali piracy, the spokesman said that China
upholds the view that within the UN framework and relevant
international law, all countries should cooperate to help fight
piracy.
Chinese and Japanese Defense Ministers
--------------
BEIJING 00000713 003 OF 003
11. The spokesman said the Chinese and Japanese Defense Ministers
will meet in Beijing March 20 for consultations. Enhanced
communication between the two sides will be conducive to the
development of long-term bilateral relations, he said.
New Special Envoy for the Middle East
--------------
12. Ambassador Wu Sike, the current Chinese Ambassador to Egypt,
will replace Sun Bigan as China's Middle East Envoy, the spokesman
said. Prior to his position as Ambassador to Egypt, Ambassador Wu
also served as the Ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the First
Representative Plenipotentiary to the League of Arab Nations.
13. VISITS: Kazakh Foreign Minister Marat Tazhin will visit China
March 29-31.
PICCUTA