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O 011017Z SEP 09
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 5849
RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 002490
AMEMBASSY ANKARA
AMEMBASSY ALGIERS
AMEMBASSY KABUL
AMEMBASY BUENOS AIRES
AMEMBASSY BOGOTA
USMISSION USUN NEW YORK
NSC WASHDC
CIA WASHDC
DOE WASHDC
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E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV MNUC CH AS RS CO KN TU
SUBJECT: SEPTEMBER 1 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: BURMA BORDER, NORTH KOREA,
JAPAN ELECTION, INDIA BORDER, AFGHAN ELECTION
1. Key points at the September 1 MFA press briefing:
-- China hoped that the Burmese Government would properly handle its
domestic issue and guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens and
their property in that country.
-- The Burmese Government had apologized to China for Chinese
casualties, thanked China for accepting those who escaped the
fighting, promised to protect Chinese citizens and their property
and restore peace and stability along the border.
-- China had noted that the situation in North East Asia had
recently become "less tense" and China hoped that all parties could
work together to strengthen peace and stability in the region.
-- Following the Japanese election, the spokesman called Japan "an
important neighbor" adding that China was ready to strengthen
cooperation and continue high-level exchanges to jointly contribute
to peace and stability in the region.
-- Indian accusations that China had violated its borders were
false.
Burma Border Clash
------------------
2. China hoped that the Burmese Government would properly handle
its domestic issue and guarantee the safety of Chinese citizens and
their property in that country said spokesperson Jiang Yu at the
September 1 regularly scheduled MFA press conference. China and
Burma were "friendly neighbors" and peace and stability were in the
best interests of both China and Burma, said Jiang. Out of
"humanitarian considerations," the Yunnan Provincial Government had
accommodated over 10,000 people, some of whom had since returned
home. The Yunnan Government guaranteed their safety and would
provide them with daily necessities they required. The emotional
state of those staying in Yunnan was "stable."
3. Jiang had "not heard" whether the Burmese Government warned China
before it began its military operation. However, Jiang pointed out,
the Burmese Government had since apologized to China for Chinese
casualties, thanked China for accepting the refugees and promised to
protect Chinese citizens and their property and to restore peace and
stability along the border. China and Burma had remained in close
contact since the start of the incident and China hoped the Burmese
Government would create peaceful conditions under which those who
fled Burma could return home, Jiang added.
North Korea Nuclear Issue
-------------------------
4. The North Korean nuclear issue could only be resolved through
political and diplomatic means, said Jiang. China had noted that
the situation in North East Asia had recently become "less tense"
and China hoped that all parties could work together to strengthen
peace and stability in the region.
5. Asked about the visit then underway by DPRK Vice Foreign Minister
Kim Yong-il, Jiang said Kim would exchange views on bilateral
relations and other issues of common interest with officials at the
MFA. The 60th anniversary of relations and year of friendship
between China and North Korea were "of great significance," noted
Jiang.
Election in Japan
-----------------
6. China had "taken note" of the outcome of the Japanese elections,
said the spokesperson. Japan was "an important neighbor" and China
was ready to strengthen cooperation and continue high level
exchanges to jointly contribute to peace and stability in the
region. Asked about the Yasukuni shrine issue, Jiang said that
China's position on the issue was clear and Japan should treat
historical issues in a manner conducive to relations with other
countries.
India-China Border Skirmish
----------------------------
7. The Indian Government accusations that China had violated its
borders were false, said Jiang. Chinese border patrols were
BEIJING 00002490 002 OF 002
conducted in accordance with established rules and China would not
cross the border by land or by air. Media reports of a military
conflict on the border were also "groundless" as both China and
India had previously agreed that before final resolution of the
border dispute, both sides would make joint efforts to maintain
peace and stability in the area.
Afghan Election
---------------
8. China had taken note of the "smooth" presidential election in
Afghanistan, said Jiang. The election was an internal affair of
Afghanistan and China respected the choice of the Afghan people.
China hoped the country established peace and security at an early
date, said Jiang.
Iranian Nuclear Issue
---------------------
9. Vice Foreign Minister He Yafei would attend the September 2nd
meeting of the Political Directors General meeting on the Iranian
nuclear issue to be held in Frankfurt, said Jiang. China was ready
to work with other parties to seek an enduring and comprehensive
settlement of the Iranian nuclear issue.
Visit of Argentine Foreign Minister
-----------------------------------
10. Foreign Minister of Argentina, Jorge Taiana would visit Beijing
and Tianjin from September 5-8, said the spokesperson. Taiana would
meet with Vice President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Yang
Jiechi. China's relations with Argentina had been "smooth and
fruitful" with frequent high-level exchanges, mutual trust and sound
cooperation in international affairs. The upcoming visit would
strengthen the strategic partnership, said Jiang.
Health of Colombian FM
----------------------
11. Press accounts reporting that Colombian President Alvaro Uribe
had contracted H1N1 prompted press questions about the health of a
Colombian delegation visiting Beijing. The spokesperson advised that
Colombian Foreign Minister Jaime Bermudez had had a physical exam
following his arrival in China, and was found to be in good health.
Bermudez would continue his visit and would meet with Xi Jinping and
Yang Jiechi in addition to other officials.
Dalai Lama Taiwan Visit
-----------------------
12. Jiang referred questions on the Dalai Lama's visit to Taiwan to
relevant authorities.
Anniversary of WWII
-------------------
13. Noting that September 1 marked the 70th anniversary of the Nazi
invasion of Poland, the spokesman advised reporters that to remember
history was to create a better future. Jiang added that China hoped
for a better outlook for stability and enduring peace in the future.
HUNTSMAN