Cablegate: June 21 Mfa Press Briefing: A/S Hill and Fm Yang's
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004190
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TAGS: PREL SENV KS KN IZ MG JA SU ID NL CH
SUBJECT: JUNE 21 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: A/S HILL AND FM YANG'S
TRAVELS TO DPRK, CLIMATE CHANGE, DARFUR, IRAQI PRESIDENT'S
VISIT, MORE
1. Key points at the June 21 MFA Press Conference were:
-- China hopes A/S Hill's visit to the DPRK will help to
implement he Initial Actions Agreement and to improve Unied
States-DPRK relations.
-- FM Yang will visit the DPRK July 2-4.
-- Population and developed nations' contributions to global
warming should be considered when addressing global climate
change.
-- VFM Zhang Yesui will attend peace talks on the Darfur
issue in Paris.
-- Iraqi President Talibani will meet with President Hu
during his upcoming visit.
-- The spokesman said China's military spending is "not a
threat," criticized comments from Japan that minimize the
Nanjing Massacre, said Mekong River cooperation is tangible
and called China's cooperation with the ILO "sound."
A/S Hill to Visit DPRK
----------------------
2. At the June 21 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin
Gang said the MFA is aware of A/S Hill's visit to the DPRK
today, but gave no information about his agenda. China hopes
the visit will be conducive to the implementation of the
Initial Actions Agreement and to the improvement of United
States-DPRK relations. The date for the next round of Six
Party Talks is still under negotiation.
3. FM Yang will visit the DPRK July 2-4 to discuss the Korean
nuclear issue and other international issues of interest.
Qin stated that "relevant MFA department heads" will
accompany FM Yang and that the details of FM Yang's meetings
are still being discussed with the DPRK. FM Yang will visit
Mongolia June 30-July 2 and Indonesia July 4-5 on the same
trip.
View Climate Change "Calmly and Objectively"
--------------------------------------------
4. Per capita emissions and the historical contributions of
developed nations to global warming should be considered,
Qin said when asked about Dutch Government reports that
China's carbon dioxide emissions have surpassed those of the
United States. Qin pointed out that the Netherlands' per
capita emissions are three times those of China's and
emphasized that much of the economic production that benefits
developed nations has moved to developing nations like China,
making it unfair to put excess blame on China for climate
change. China takes a responsible attitude toward climate
change and emissions reductions, looks forward to making
joint efforts with the international community and hopes the
international community can view the issue calmly and
objectively.
VFM Zhang to Attend Darfur Talks in Paris
-----------------------------------------
5. VFM Zhang Yesui will attend the upcoming Darfur talks in
Paris and elaborate on China's position in a comprehensive
way, Qin said.
Iraqi President Visit
---------------------
6. Iraq President Talabani will attend a welcome ceremony
hosted by President Hu then meet with PM Wen and NPC Chairman
Wu Bangguo to exchange ideas on bilateral relations and
issues of common interest, Qin replied when asked for details
on the visit and any plans for new Chinese investments in
Iraq. China supports and participates in Iraq reconstruction
and has provided 15 million RMB in aid, debt relief and
training, Qin added.
Military Spending "Not a Threat"
--------------------------------
7. China follows the road of peaceful development and has a
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reasonable military budget to allow for territorial defense
and the promotion of regional stability and common
development, said Qin in response to criticism that increased
military expenditures are turning China into a strategic
threat to the United States. China hopes stronger military
exchanges will increase mutual trust.
Japan Lacks Courage to Recognize History
----------------------------------------
8. Asked about reports that Japanese lawmakers are
downplaying the "Nanjing Massacre" prior to that incident's
seventieth anniversary, the spokesman said such reports
expose Japan's lack of courage to recognize history and break
with the past. "Compelling evidence" supports the view that
the Japanese military committed an "atrocious crime" in which
Chinese died. Qin criticized individuals in Japan for trying
to erase history.
Mekong River Cooperation Results "Tangible"
-------------------------------------------
China participates in regional cooperation around the Mekong
River through a mechanism including Vietnam and other
countries, said Qin commenting on reports about a new bridge
and a direct land route connecting Bangkok and China.
Discussions on future cooperation are ongoing in fields
including transportation, information, environmental
protection and resource utilization.
"Sound Cooperation" with ILO
----------------------------
9. China and the International Labor Organization (ILO) have
sound cooperation, said Qin hen asked if international labor
groups would be allowed to investigate a recent incident at a
Shanxi brick factory. Qin had no information on
international groups investigating the incident and referred
questions to proper authorities. China attaches great
importance to the incident and is taking measures to bring
the perpetrators to justice, he added.
PICCUTA