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Cablegate: Corrected Copy (Para 4: Ganzi Prefecture) - March 25 Mfa

Published: Wed 26 Mar 2008 01:24 AM
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SUBJECT: CORRECTED COPY (PARA 4: Ganzi Prefecture) - March 25 MFA
Press Briefing: Selected Journalists To Lhasa, Dialogue With Dalai
Lama, Taiwan's New Leader, Olympic Torch Relay, China-ROK FTA, Iran
and SCO, Nansha Island, Visits
1. Key points at the March 25 MFA Press Briefing:
-- Selected foreign journalists will participate in a reporting trip
to Lhasa.
-- China is open to dialogue with the Dalai Lama as long as he gives
up separatist activities.
-- China will continue to follow the One China policy to further
develop relations with Taiwan.
-- Free trade agreement between China and ROK should "proceed with
strategic perspective."
-- China welcomes Iran's initiative to deepen the cooperation with
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
-- China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Island.
Selected Foreign Journalists Going To Tibet
-------------------------------------------
2. At the March 25 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Qin
Gang said the MFA will release a list of 10 foreign news agencies
allowed to participate in a reporting trip to Lhasa. Journalists
will be able to interview the victims and visit the sites damaged by
the protesters, Qin added.
3. At the height of the situation in Tibet, foreign journalists were
kept out of affected areas for their own safety and to safeguard
local stability. Local authorities have the right to take special
measures according to Chinese laws and regulations. China hopes all
obey and cooperate with the special measures in effect.
4. Asked about the actual number of casualties, Qin said the number
for Lhasa has been released, but incidents from Aba are still under
investigation. Qin confirmed the March 24 clash between armed
police and Tibetan protesters in Ganzi Prefecture, Sichuan Province,
which killed one police officer and injured a few others. Local
police are currently investigating this matter, Qin added.
China Open To Dialogue With The Dalai Lama
------------------------------------------
5. Asked about the international community's efforts to encourage
China to start a dialogue with the Dalai Lama, Qin said the door for
dialogue is always open as long as the Dalai Lama gives up
separatist activities. "The Chinese Government has already
requested the Dalai Lama give up separatist propositions and cease
separatist activities," Qin added. With regard to the Dalai Lama's
connection with Uighur activists, Qin said further investigation is
needed in this matter.
6. According to Qin, 110 countries have expressed their support for
the Chinese Government and oppose criminal acts and violence
organized by the "Dalai clique." Asked whether countries that have
open dialogue with Dalai Lama will be "punished by China," Qin hopes
that other countries can recognize the true nature of Dalai Lama.
Taiwan's New Leader
-------------------
7. "China will continue to follow the One China policy to further
develop relations with Taiwan," Qin said regarding China's position
on Taiwan's newly elected leader Ma Ying-jeou. "The Mainland and
Taiwan belong to one China," Qin added.
Disruption of Olympic Torch Ceremony In Greece
--------------------------------------------- -
8. Asked about the disruption during the Olympic torch ceremony in
Greece, Qin said such acts of disturbance are shameful and in
violation of the Olympic spirit. China has the competence and
capability to carry out a smooth torch relay and successful Olympic
Games. The torch relay in Tibet will go on as scheduled, Qin said.
With regard to the European Council's discussion of boycotting the
Olympic Games, Qin said China opposes any country or individual
politicizing the Olympic Games.
China-ROK: Possible Free Trade Agreement
----------------------------------------
9. With regard to a possible free trade agreement between China and
ROK, Qin said the two sides should "proceed with strategic
perspective." Currently, academic institutions are conducting
in-depth studies on this matter and hope to provide practical
suggestions, Qin added. Regarding a possible meeting between
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leaders of China, Japan and Korea, specific arrangements are being
discussed through diplomatic channels.
Iran And Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)
--------------------------------------------- --
10. Iran has applied for full membership status in the Shanghai
Cooperation Organization (SCO). China welcomes Iran's initiative to
deepen the cooperation and will make a decision through
consultations, Qin added.
China Has Sovereignty Over Nansha Island
----------------------------------------
11. Regarding recent reports of Philippine President Arroyo's plan
to visit Nansha Island, Qin said China has indisputable sovereignty
over Nansha Island. China and the Philippines will address this
issue through consultations, Qin added.
Visits
------
12. Malawi President Bingu Mutharika will meet with President Hu
Jintao and Premier Wen Jiabao this week. Premier Wen will visit
Laos March 29-31. Vice President/Prime Minister/Ruler of Dubai
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum will visit China March 31 -
April 3.
PICCUTA
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