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O 031114Z APR 08
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6269
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 001267
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM PTER CH PK TN TZ CI QA KZ AS SW
FR, IR
SUBJECT: April 3 MFA Press Briefing: Hu Jia Case, Olympic Boycott,
IAEA Iran Intelligence, Lhasa Incident, Xinjiang Disturbances, Boao
Forum Attendees
1. Key points at the April 3 MFA Press Briefing were:
-- China has handled the Hu Jia case according to law and will not
accept criticism.
-- The IOC is right to reject calls to boycott the Beijing Olympics
and the torch relay should not be disrupted.
-- Reports China supplied the IAEA with intelligence about Iran are
false.
-- Reports that a Chinese Embassy official in Paris apologized for
his comments comparing riots in Paris to Lhasa are "not accurate."
-- Local authorities in Xinjiang are capable of maintaining order.
China Will Not Accept Criticism of Hu Jia Case
--------------------------------------------- -
2. At the April 3, 2008 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesperson
Jiang Yu said China could not accept criticism of its handling of
the Hu Jia case. China is a rule of law country and will not stop
implementing its laws because of the Olympics. Hu Jia was tried
according to the law, said Jiang.
Olympic Boycotts, Torch Relay Protests
--------------------------------------------- -
3. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is fulfilling its
duties under the Olympic Charter, said Jiang in response to a
question regarding IOC Coordinating Commission Vice Chairman Kevan
Gosper's statements that the IOC does not support an Olympics
boycott. Jiang emphasized that the Olympic Games is a sporting
event which enhances understanding, cooperation and friendship
between countries. She urged countries to make active contributions
to the development of the Games.
4. When asked about potential protests at the Paris torch relay,
Jiang said that the relay would be the "glory and pride" of Paris
and an opportunity for Parisians to show their Olympic spirit.
Jiang urged activists not to act contrary to the will of the people
and cause a "disruption" of the event. Jiang said she considers
Paris Mayor Bertrand Delanoe's reported plans to display a banner on
human rights in China to be a "disruption." When asked the reason
for these demonstrations, Jiang said it is well known that activists
want to challenge and provoke "people around the world."
Denial of Reports China Gave IAEA Iran Intelligence
--------------------------------------------- ------
5. Jiang said she has seen media reports that China gave the IAEA
intelligence regarding Iran, but called the reports "totally
groundless." There are "ulterior motives" behind the reports.
China has been consistent in its position that the Iran nuclear
issue be resolved peacefully through negotiation. China calls on
all parties to exert creativity and show flexibility to seek an
"all-round and long-term solution" to the issue. China will play a
constructive role toward this goal, said Jiang.
Lhasa Incident
--------------
6. Jiang said reports that an official from the Chinese Embassy in
Paris apologized to the French Government over comments comparing
the Lhasa riots to riots in Paris were "not in line with the facts."
Jiang went on to say that the incident in Lhasa was not a peaceful
demonstration, but a "grave, violent crime." China hopes countries
will respect the facts, take an objective and impartial position and
"understand and support China's legitimate measures to stop violent
crimes in accordance with the law." In accordance with
international law, nations are obligated to protect the security and
dignity of diplomatic missions and personnel. China hopes France
can continue its effective protection of the Chinese Embassy, said
Jiang.
7. When asked how Chinese online bulletin boards were able to post
detailed, personal information about the journalists who
participated in the Chinese Government's organized tour of Lhasa,
Jiang had no response. The journalist's trip to Lhasa helped them
"understand the truth," she stated.
Xinjiang Disturbances
---------------------
8. Jiang referred reporters to local authorities in Hetian, Xinjiang
for information regarding disturbances there. Jiang said local
authorities were able to maintain stability and safeguard life and
property.
BEIJING 00001267 002 OF 002
Musharraf Visit
---------------
9. Jiang said Pakistan President Musharraf will visit China April
10-15 and meet President Hu Jintao, Chairman Wu Bangguo, Premier Wen
Jiabao and Chairman Jia Qinglin. Musharraf will also attend the
Boao Forum for Asia April 11-13. China and Pakistan's cooperative
and strategic partnership has developed well in recent years and the
visit will promote good neighborly relations and fruitful
cooperation in the long-term, said Jiang.
Boao Forum for Asia
-------------------
10. Jiang announced the attendees of the Boao Forum for Asia which
will be held April 11-13 in Hainan. The attendees include: Tonga
King George Tupou V, Pakistan President Musharraf, Tanzania
President Jakaya Kikwete, Chile President Michelle Bachelet, Qatar
Prime Minister Hamed bin Jasim bin Jabor al-Thani, Kazakhstan Prime
Minister Karim Massimov, Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd and
Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. Mongolian President
Nambaryn Enkhbayar and Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa were
also invited, said Jiang.
RANDT