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Cablegate: December 4 Mfa Press Briefing: Iran, Kitty Hawk, New

Published: Wed 5 Dec 2007 12:21 AM
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SUBJECT: December 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, KITTY HAWK, NEW
CATHOLIC BISHOP, A/S HILL, SED, VISITS
1. Key points at the December 4 MFA Press Briefing:
-- Iran's nuclear issues: China opposes international proliferation
of nuclear weapons
-- China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong Kong.
-- New Catholic bishop in Guangzhou: Promote friendship between
Vatican and China
-- A/S Hill to exchange views with Chinese officials on Six-Party
Talks process
-- SED: Important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust
-- Visits: ROK PM Han Duk Soo, UK PM Gordon Brown, UK Conservative
Leader David Cameron
Secretary Rice and FM Yang Exchange Views On Iran
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2. At the December 4 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Qin
Gang confirmed the December 4 telephone conversation between
Secretary Rice and FM Yang. Both sides exchanged views on Iran's
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nuclear issues, he added. When a reporter asked whether China is
going to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran, Qin reiterated
China's opposition to the international proliferation of nuclear
weapons and its commitment to diplomatic negotiations for the proper
settlement of the Iranian issue.
3. Qin could not confirm the new intelligence report from the United
States claiming Iran stopped developing nuclear weapons in 2003. He
repeatedly stated "China's position on Iran is persistent."
Kitty Hawk
----------
4. "China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong
Kong," Qin stated. Regarding the United States' decision to go
through the Taiwan Strait, the United States should "take a prudent
route in a highly sensitive area," Qin replied.
New Bishop In Guangzhou
-----------------------
5. Guangzhou now has a new Catholic bishop, Qin confirmed. China
hopes to take this opportunity to further promote friendship between
the Vatican and China, he added.
A/S Hill Visiting Beijing
-------------------------
6. EAP Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill will visit Beijing
December 5, Qin confirmed. He will meet with Chinese officials to
exchange views on the Six-Party Talks process.
Strategic Economic Dialogue
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7. When asked about China's expectations for the upcoming Strategic
Economic Dialogue (SED), Qin replied China highly values the SED.
It is an "important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust," he
said. China hopes to exchange views candidly and push forward trade
and economic ties.
Germany Opposes Taiwan's Referendum
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8. China "appreciates Germany's opposition on Taiwan's referendum,"
Qin stated. Germany's position on this is based on bilateral
cooperation and friendship between China and Germany, he added.
Island Dispute Between China and Vietnam
----------------------------------------
9. When asked to comment on the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry's recent
announcement claiming sovereignty over Xisha Island, Qin said China
has "indisputable sovereignty" over this island and any accusation
against China is groundless.
Chavez's Referendum Defeat and Russian Election
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10. China has taken note of President Chavez's referendum defeat and
hopes for social stability in the region. China also took note of
the election victory of the United Russia Party. China hopes for
continual promotion of strategic partnership and coordination with
Russia.
Foreign Journalists Welcomed During Olympics
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11. A reporter asked whether China would bar certain journalists
from covering the Olympics for political reasons. China welcomes
reporters from around the world to "cover China fairly and
objectively," Qin said.
Chinese Computer Hackers
------------------------
12. British media reports accusing China of cyber espionage are
"irresponsible," Qin stated. China opposes and prohibits activities
undermining computer systems and jointly works with other countries
to counter cyber attacks.
Visits
------
13. Qin confirmed FM Yang's visit to Malaysia December 7-8. FM Yang
will also visit Laos. President Hu will visit Japan in 2008. ROK
Prime Minister Han Duk Soo will visit China December 10-11. UK
Prime Minister Gordon Brown will visit China in January and UK
Conservative Party Leader David Cameron will visit China soon.
RANDT
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