APRIL 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: NORTH KOREA, THAILAND, HUMAN

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 000983 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH KS KN JA IN PK PE FI SUBJECT: APRIL 14 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: NORTH KOREA, THAILAND, HUMAN RIGHTS ACTION PLAN, INDIA ¶1. Key points at the April 14 MFA press briefing: -- China has "taken note" of North Korea's statement that it will boycott the Six-Party Talks. All parties should work together to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. -- China is "closely following the situation" in Thailand, a country that is a "friendly neighbor of China." -- The recently released National Human Rights Action Plan "makes clear China's objectives and measures" to "safeguard human rights in China for the next two years." -- China seeks "to have practical cooperation in every field with South Korea on the basis of equality." -- Asked whether China blocked a proposed Asia Development Bank loan to India because it included money for disputed territory, the spokesman said that "China supports the Asia Development Bank" and the "positive role" it plays for development countries. North Korea Reaction to UN Security Statement -------------- ¶2. China has "taken note" of North Korea's statement that it will boycott the Six-Party Talks, said spokesperson Jiang Yu at the April 14 regularly scheduled MFA press briefing. "Under the current circumstances," said Jiang, all parties should work together to promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. China hopes that all parties will "proceed from their overall interests and exhibit restraint in order to resume the Six-Party Talks. Regarding the potential adjustments to sanctions proscribed in UN Security Council Resolution 1718, Jiang said the "relevant committee will handle the issue." The Six-Party Talks have "played an important role" in the promotion of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, establishing trust and building a regional security mechanism. Jiang noted that the recent Security Council statement "supports the Six-Party Talks" and "calls for its resumption." Asked whether the MFA could guarantee that Chinese companies are not engaging with North Korean companies in violation of relevant UN regulations, Jiang said that the question was "a very serious one" and that "as a permanent member of the UN Security Council," China has the "responsibility of upholding all Security Council resolutions." The spokesman was "not aware" of reports that a Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference delegation is currently in North Korea, but said that "China will continue its cooperation with North Korea." Thailand Riots -------------- ¶3. China is "closely following the situation" in Thailand, a country that is a "friendly neighbor of China." China hopes that Thailand will stabilize and enjoy "harmonious development," said Jiang. China Human Rights Action Plan -------------- ¶4. The recently released National Human Rights Action Plan "makes clear China's objectives and measures" to "safeguard human rights in China for the next two years" said the spokesperson. China "does not use human rights to interfere in the affairs of other countries," said Jiang. China's report on the human rights situation of the United States is "intended to remind the United States of its flaws." China is ready to "promote human rights through dialogue." China also hopes that "relevant countries can be aware of China's achievements in human rights and not interfere." Korea and the Rise of China -------------- ¶5. Asked about statements by Korean government officials on the rise of China, Jiang said that China will cooperate with South Korea to combat the financial crisis. China seeks "to have practical cooperation in every field with South Korea on the basis of equality." China's rise will "not pose a threat to others but provide an opportunity for cooperation." India ADB Loan -------------- ¶6. Asked whether China blocked a proposed Asia Development Bank loan to India because it included money for disputed territory, Jiang said that "China supports the Asia Development Bank" and the BEIJING 00000983 002 OF 002 "positive role" it plays for development countries. China will "continue to make contributions" to the bank, said Jiang. The border issue with the India is "pending" and China is willing to seek a "fair and reasonable resolution acceptable to both sides." Journalist Travel to Tibetan and Earth Quake Areas -------------- -------------- ¶7. The policy of an "open Tibet has not changed" said Jiang when asked whether journalists are banned from visiting the region. Jiang said that interested journalists should "apply with local authorities" in order to visit. Asked separately about foreign journalist access to areas affected by the Sichuan earth quake, Jiang said that she had "noted" that some foreign journalists had traveled to Sichuan. The MFA is working with local authorities to organize a trip to the affected area, said Jiang. Pakistan and Terrorism -------------- ¶8. Asked about Pakistan's efforts to combat the Taliban, Jiang said that China "always supports Pakistan's efforts to strike against terror." China-Peru FTA -------------- ¶9. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between China and Peru is "currently in the national ratification process," said Jiang. The agreement is the first FTA to be signed between China and a Latin American country and will help "combat the financial crisis." Somali Pirates -------------- ¶10. China is working to "support and take part in" the fight against pirates. China has sent vessels to the region and will follow UN resolutions and "strengthen cooperation." Visits -------------- ¶11. Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan Richard Holbrooke will visit China from April 15-16. Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha will visit China from the April 17-21. Finnish Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen will visit China from April 19-22. WEINSTEIN