Cablegate: June 28 Mfa Press Briefing: Dprk Missile Launches,

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RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1761

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004357

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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL UNSC KS KN JA IZ VT SP CH
SUBJECT: JUNE 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES,
SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-IRAQ COOPERATION, US HOUSE ON
COMFORT WOMEN, SCO, STRATEGIC DIALOGUE

BEIJING 00004357 001.2 OF 002

1. Key points at the June 28 MFA Press Conference were:

-- The MFA noticed reports of DPRK missile launches yesterday
and the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers discussed the
Korean nuclear issue over the phone this morning.

-- China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and
efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said the spokesman when
asked about reports that President Talabani agreed to buy
police weapons from China.

-- FM Yang will visit the Kyrgyzstan July 7-8 and will attend
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council
meeting on July 9.

-- The MFA touted the success of the 4th Strategic Dialogue
in Washington.

DPRK Missile Launches, Six-Party Talks
--------------------------------------

2. At the June 28 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin
Gang stated the MFA has noticed reports of DPRK missile
launches yesterday when asked for comment on the matter and
said that the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers
discussed the Korean nuclear issue over the phone this
morning. Qin reiterated China's hope that all parties can
maintain the positive momentum made in the Six-Party Talks
and implement the initial actions at an early date.

Arms Sales to Iraq, Active in Reconstruction
--------------------------------------------

3. China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and
efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said Qin when asked
about reports that Iraqi President Talabani has agreed to buy
police weapons from China. China hopes Iraq maintains its
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Qin
added.

Japan Has Historic Responsbility to Resolve Issues
--------------------------------------------- -----

4. China's consistent position on comfort women and forced
labor during World War II is that Japan should take a
responsible attitude toward history to appropriately,
earnestly and truthfully deal with these issues, said Qin in
response to questions on the recent House Foreign Affairs
Committee resolution urging a formal apology to comfort women
and a ruling by Japan's Sapporo High Court rejecting redress
demands.

FM Yang to Kyrgyzstan, SCO FM Council
-------------------------------------

5. At the invitation of Kyrgyzstan FM Atambaev, FM Yang will
pay a visit July 7-8 to meet with leaders and discuss
bilateral and regional issues. On July 9, FM Yang will
attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council
meeting in Bishkek to prepare for the August SCO Summit and
exchange ideas on deepening cooperation between member
states.

Strategic Dialogue a Success
----------------------------

6. The successful 4th United States-China Strategic Dialogue
was conducive to increasing mutual understanding and trust
and further developing the constructive bilateral
partnership, commented the spokesman on the meetings.
Judging from the United States' reaction, both countries have
a common view on the success of the Dialogue, in added, which
included discussions on bilateral and international issues of
common interest.

MFA Refutes Remarks that Hong Kong is "Caged Bird"
--------------------------------------------- -----

7. Under the successful policy of Hong Kong self rule, the
region has witnessed economic prosperity and improved living
standards and enjoys internationally recognized democracy and
freedom, Qin stated in response to a remark by Chen Shui-bian
that over the last ten years Hong Kong has been like a bird
in a cage with no democracy and limited freedom.

Pandas for Spain, Vatican Letter, MFA Audit
-------------------------------------------

BEIJING 00004357 002.2 OF 002

8. The spokesman remarked that two panda bears given to Spain
would serve as "envoys of the Chinese people" in promoting
friendly Sino-Spanish relations. China's stance based on
"the two principles" toward the Vatican is consistent and
clear, said Qin when asked for comment on the Pope's
intention to send an open letter to Chinese Catholics. Qin
confirmed that the MFA had completed an audit by the
Auditor-General providing no further details, when asked by a
reporter if the MFA had misused or embezzled funds.
RANDT

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