VZCZCXYZ6747
OO RUEHWEB
DE RUEHBJ #0824 0660936
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 060936Z MAR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5521
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS BEIJING 000824
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PTER TBIO CH TW JA
SUBJECT: March 6 MFA Press Briefing: Upcoming Taiwan Election, Hu's
Visit to Japan, Japan Dumpling Case, China's Role in the World,
Australian Hostages Rescued
1. Key points at the March 6 MFA Press Briefing:
-- The upcoming election in Taiwan is an election of a local
leader.
-- President Hu's visit to Japan is still under active discussion.
-- Relevant Chinese authorities have taken every measure necessary
to carry out a "serious and responsible investigation" on the
poisoned dumpling case.
-- China will continue to adhere to the path of peaceful development
and open policies of mutual benefit.
-- In the hostage case in Xian, all hostages have been safely
rescued.
Upcoming Taiwan Election
------------------------
2. At the March 6 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson Qin
Gang said the upcoming election in Taiwan is an election of a local
leader, not a Presidential election. Qin referred the question to
"other relevant authorities."
President Hu's Visit to Japan Under Discussion
--------------------------------------------- -
3. President Hu's visit to Japan is still under active discussion,
Qin said. This visit will promote "long-term stability" and
"healthy development" of China-Japan relation, Qin added. Both
countries are committed to establishing a strategic partnership.
Japan Dumpling Case
-------------------
4. Regarding the case of Chinese poisoned dumplings found in Japan,
Qin said relevant Chinese authorities have taken every measure
necessary to carry out a "serious and responsible investigation" and
have released the initial results of that investigation. To find
the truth, the Chinese investigation will continue, Qin added.
Until the completion of a "fair and scientific" joint investigation,
neither side should draw unilateral conclusions. China hopes to
establish a long-term mechanism with Japan on food security
cooperation.
China's Role on the International Stage
--------------------------------------------- --
5. "China would like to create a world of lasting peace, common
development and prosperity," Qin said regarding China's role in the
international stage in the next five years. China follows a
"foreign policy of peace and common development," Qin added. With
regard to the DPRK nuclear issue and other disputes, China believes
all countries should follow the "five principles of peaceful
coexistence." In sum, China will continue to adhere to a "path of
peaceful development" and "open policies of mutual benefit."
Australian Hostage Case Still Under Investigation
--------------------------------------------- ----
6. Asked about the recent case of Australians being taken hostage in
Xian, Qin said the case is still under investigation. Qin confirmed
that all hostages have been safely rescued and expressed sympathy to
those held hostage. The Chinese Government has always attached
great importance to protecting the security of foreign citizens in
China and will continue to provide a safe environment for foreign
tourists, Qin added. Especially with the upcoming Olympics, China
will carry out more effective measures in this regard.
RANDT