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FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0846
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
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RUEHRK/AMEMBASSY REYKJAVIK 0032
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004208
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TAGS: PREL PGOV ECON EFIN KS KN BG IN TW CH
SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 13 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: G-20 SUMMIT, SIX-PARTY
TALKS, CHINA-NORTH KOREA BORDER, TIBET MEETING, OTHER ISSUES
1. Key points at the November 13 afternoon MFA press briefing were:
-- China hopes the upcoming G20 Financial Summit will "send the
positive message that countries are united."
-- China had taken note of North Korea's comments that it will not
allow sampling of its nuclear sites, but hopes the Six-Party Talks
will progress.
--Chinese VFM Wu Dawei met with DPRK DG for North American Affairs
Ri Gun on November 12 to discuss the current situation and next
phase in the Six-Party Talks.
--The MFA has no information about reported changes in Chinese troop
levels or crossing restrictions along the China-North Korea border.
--The meeting of Tibetan leaders in Dharamsala does not represent
the views of the vast majority of Chinese people and China hopes
India will fulfill its commitment not to allow activity aimed at
separating China on its soil.
G20 Summit and Financial Crisis
-------------------------------
2. At the November 13 regularly scheduled MFA press conference,
spokesman Qin Gang said that China hopes the upcoming G20 Financial
Summit will "send the positive message that countries are united" in
tackling the financial crisis. The Summit should "raise confidence
and reach a decision on measures to stabilize markets and ensure
economic growth," said Qin. China hopes there will be
"comprehensive reforms to ensure an orderly and fair financial
system and a better monitoring system to help developing countries."
However, China recognizes that "there are only two days" in which
to discuss all these issues. Asked about the International Monetary
Fund's (IMF) role in resolving the crisis, Qin said that China is
"ready to stand by the IMF and other institutions to address the
financial crisis." Asked whether China will assist Iceland in a
financial bailout, Qin said that China "welcomes the decision of the
IMF" in agreeing to provide financial assistance to Iceland.
Status of the Six-Party Talks
------------------------------
3. Asked how North Korea's statement that it will not allow sampling
from its nuclear sites as part of the verification process would
impact the Six-Party Talks, the spokesperson said China has "taken
note of North Korea's comments" and the "Six-Party Talks are still
in the process of implementing the second phase." Qin said China
hopes that the "talks can progress" and China will continue to "play
a constructive role" in the process.
4. North Korean DG for North American Affairs Ri Gun made a stopover
in Beijing following his trip to the United States. In Beijing, he
met with Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei to discuss the "current
situation and next phase" in the Six-Party Talks, said Qin.
China-North Korea Border
------------------------
5. Asked whether China has increased troop levels along its border
with North Korea, Qin replied that he had "not heard of any abnormal
activity" along the border. In response to a related question
seeking clarification on reports that Chinese citizens have been
told they can no longer cross by land into North Korea, Qin again
answered that he had "not heard of any abnormal activity along the
border with North Korea." Regarding reports that North Korea has
closed its border with South Korea, Qin said that China hopes North
and South Korea will resolve the issues "through consultations" in
the "interest of stability on the Korean Peninsula."
Meeting of Tibetan Leaders in Dharamsala
---------------------------------------
6. When asked about a meeting of Tibetan exiles in Dharamsala,
India, Qin answered saying the Chinese government "solemnly opposes
any activity aimed at the separation of China," and the "people
meeting in Dharamsala could not possibly represent the interests of
the vast majority of the Chinese people." Qin said that the Indian
government had "made a commitment not to allow any activity on its
soil aimed at separating China" and that the Chinese government
"hopes India will fulfill this commitment."
Other Issues
------------
7. Other topics discussed were:
-- Qin said he has no information about whether Taiwan Kuomintang
Chairman Lien Chan will meet with Chinese President Hu Jintao on the
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sidelines of the G-20 summit in the United States. Qin also
referred journalists to the Taiwan Affairs Office for China's
reaction to former Taiwan President Chen Shui-bian's arrest on
corruption charges.
-- When asked about the lawsuits against the Sanlu milk powder
company, Qin answered that the Chinese government will "firmly and
resolutely" deal with any breaches of the law. Qin noted that the
MFA was not the relevant authority on this issue and referred
questions to the relevant authorities.
-- When asked about Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's
visit to China, Qin confirmed that he had seen reports that Thaksin
had visited the Mainland and that he believed Thaksin had departed
for Hong Kong. When asked whether Thaksin was seeking permission to
move to China, Qin said he did not know any other details of
Thaksin's visit.
-- The spokesman was not aware of any specifics regarding
negotiations on an oil pipeline to Siberia. The talks are "normal
business negotiations."
-- President Hu Jintao will visit Cuba from November 17-18.
RANDT