Cablegate: November 24, 2009 Mfa Press Briefing: Liang Guanglie's Dprk

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O 241031Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
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INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHNE/AMEMBASSY NEW DELHI 4976

UNCLAS BEIJING 003163

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TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM ECON SENV PHSA CH IN KN RP

SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 24, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: LIANG GUANGLIE'S DPRK
VISIT, INDIA'S MISSILE TEST, DE XIN HAI RESCUE EFFORTS

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

-- The PRC views Liang Guanglie's visit to the DPRK as a "normal
exchange" between the two militaries.

-- The PRC supports U.S.-DPRK dialogue in advance of U.S. Ambassador
Bosworth's trip to the DPRK.

-- The PRC states that India's ballistic missile test is a matter of
"internal affairs."

Liang Guanglie's DPRK Visit
---------------------------

2. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang noted at the November
24 regularly scheduled press briefing that PRC State Councilor and
Defense Minister Liang Guanglie visited North Korea November 22-26.
The visit, Qin said, was a "normal exchange" between the militaries
of the PRC and DPRK. He added that the PRC "promoted and
safeguarded" the continuation of exchanges between the two
militaries.

Six-Party Talks Opportunity
---------------------------

3. Qin expressed PRC support for a "U.S.-DPRK dialogue" in advance
of Special Representative for North Korea Policy Stephen Bosworth's
planned trip to the DPRK on December 8. When asked about the PRC's
perspective on any breakthroughs in the Six-Party Talks, Qin stated
that the PRC viewed the Six-Party Talks as facing an important
opportunity that would require joint efforts on all sides. He noted
that the PRC supported peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

India's Ballistic Missile Test
------------------------------

4. Turning to India's nuclear-capable intermediate-range Agni-II
ballistic missile test on November 24, Qin stated that the PRC did
not have a position on India's actions since they pertained to
India's internal affairs. Qin added that China hoped India would
contribute to regional peace and stability.

"De Xin Hai" Hijacking
----------------------

5. When asked about details of the status of the Chinese merchant
ship hijacked off the Horn of Africa, "De Xin Hai," Qin said that
negotiation efforts to rescue the vessel and its 25 crew members
were ongoing. He could offer no further comment.

Tourist Attack in Philippines
-----------------------------

6. China was shocked by and condemned the attack carried out by
Chinese national Zhongren Li in Saipan that left four dead and many
others wounded. The PRC viewed this incident as a terrorist attack
and offered condolences to the bereaved families.

China's Stake in Kashmir
------------------------

7. When asked to comment on statements made by Kashmiri nationalist
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, chair of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference,
regarding China's stake in the Kashmir peace process, spokesman Qin
stated that Kashmir was an issue between India and Pakistan left
over by history. The PRC hoped both sides could properly resolve
the issue through dialogue and negotiations as promptly as possible,
he added.

12th China-EU Summit
--------------------

8. Qin announced that the 12th China-EU Summit would be held in
Nanjing on November 30.

HUNTSMAN

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