MARCH 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILES, AMCITS IN DPRK,

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000767

SIPDIS

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TAGS: PREL PGOV MARR PHUM EINT CH KS KN JA PE RP RS AF

SUBJECT: MARCH 24 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILES, AMCITS IN DPRK,
USNS IMPECCABLE, SCO AFGHAN MEETING

BEIJING 00000767 001.2 OF 002



1. Key points at the March 24 MFA press briefing:

-- China is "very concerned about the situation on the Korean
Peninsula," and "hopes that all parties will be restrained and calm
so as not to complicate the situation."

-- Regarding the U.S. citizens detained by North Korea, Qin said
that "the male American citizen involved has left China and two
females are not in China."

-- The "latest statements by the U.S. side" regarding the South
China Sea "reverse black and white" (diandao heibai).

-- The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting to be held in
Moscow on March 27 will focus on Afghanistan terrorism, drug
trafficking and organized crime.

North Korea Missile Launch
--------------


2. Referring to the planned DPRK missile launch, spokesperson Qin
Gang said at the regularly-scheduled March 24 MFA press briefing
that China hopes "all parties will be restrained and calm so as not
to complicate the situation." The most important thing is "a
peaceful, stable and denuclearized Korean Peninsula." South Korean
Six-Party Talks Head of Delegation Wi Sung-lac will visit China to
meet with Chinese VFM Wu Dawei to "exchange views on the Six-Party
Talks and the situation on the Korean Peninsula." The spokesperson
had "no information" on a reported invitation to President Hu Jintao
to visit North Korea.

Americans on the DPRK Border
--------------


3. Asked about the U.S. citizens detained by North Korea, Qin said
that "the male American citizen involved has left China and two
females are not in China." Qin referred questions to "relevant
countries."

South China Sea Dispute
--------------


4. The "latest statements by the U.S. side" regarding the South
China Sea "reverse black and white" (diandao heibai),said Qin.
China is "determined to protect its sovereignty" and "hopes that the
U.S. side will take appropriate actions to prevent future
occurrences" similar to the recent incident. China also hopes that
relevant countries will abide by the "declaration of conduct" in the
South China Sea.

Meetings on Afghanistan
--------------


5. The Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting to be held in
Moscow on March 27 will have a special focus on Afghanistan
terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime, said Qin. China
will "elaborate on its positions" and "make suggestions" during the
conference. China will "not send troops outside of its boarders"
unless on a UN peace keeping mission. VFM Song Tao will attend the
conference in Moscow while VFM Wu Dawei will attend a separate
conference on Afghanistan at the Hague on March 31.

Dalai Lama's Visit to South Africa
--------------


6. China "appreciates the measures of relevant countries" said Qin
when asked about South Africa's reported rejection of a visa for the
Dalai Lama. China "opposes other countries' official contact with
the Dalai Lama or their providing him a platform for separatism."
The Dalai Lama is "not a religious figure but a political exile"
whose "true colors are known around the world" said Qin.

Internet Censorship
--------------


7. The spokesman was "unsure" whether video sharing website Youtube
has been blocked in China, but said that "China manages the Internet
according to law." The Chinese government is "not afraid of the
Internet" said Qin, noting that China has more than 3OO million
Internet users. China learned to restrict the Internet "from the UK
and United States." Qin pointed to U.S. laws "passed in the 1990s to
prevent the spread of harmful information and protect children" as
well as to the "Patriot Act which allows the government to monitor"
what is said on the Internet.


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Death Penalty in China
--------------


8. Asked about a recent Amnesty International report on the death
penalty in China, Qin said that "competent authorities have stated
China's position on the death penalty many times." Qin noted that he
is "only a civil servant."

China Navy Celebrations
--------------


9. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the founding the PLA Navy
and Chinese authorities will "plan a ceremony to celebrate," said
Qin. Qin referred more specific questions to "relevant
authorities."

Peru-China Relations
--------------


10. China and Peru are "maintaining communication" regarding a
possible future visit of a Peruvian leader to China. China wants to
continue to discuss free trade with Peru which "is good for both
countries." China also "attaches great importance" to relations with
Peru and would like to maintain high level exchanges.

Visit of Australian FM
--------------


11. Australian Foreign Minister Stephen Smith will visit China and
exchange views with Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and other Chinese
leaders, said Qin. China and Australia are two "important
countries" in the region and bilateral relations between the two
will "contribute to regional peace and stability."

Tiananmen Massacre
--------------


12. "There has already been a conclusion" reached regarding the
"incident of 20 years ago" said Qin when asked to comment on the
reported disappearance of a soldier involved in the Tiananmen
massacre. Qin said he had no information about the soldier.

Remains of Chinese Soldiers in Papua New Guinea
-------------- --


13. China "attaches great importance" to the recovery of remains of
Chinese soldiers in Papua New Guinea and has "already begun
preparations" to deal with the situation.

PICCUTA