Cablegate: November 9 Mfa Press Briefing: U.S. Midterm
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TAGS: PREL TBIO KN RS CH JA
SUBJECT: NOVEMBER 9 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: U.S. MIDTERM
ELECTIONS, DPRK NUCLEAR ISSUE, EAST CHINA SEA, PANAMA,
NICARAGUA, MARGARET CHAN AT WHO, HU AT APEC
1. Key Points made at the November 9, 2006 Press Briefing
were:
-- China has no comment on the resignation of Defense
Secretary Rumsfeld or the midterm elections and stands ready
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to work with the United States and both its political parties.
-- VFM Wu Dawei discussed the DPRK with Russian DFM Alexeyev.
China seeks speedy resumption of the Six-Party Talks and
hopes the United States' and Macao's investigations into
North Korean financial issues will be resolved soon. The
Spokesman knew nothing about FM Li meeting with DPRK
officials.
-- Japan's concern about CNOOC exploration in the East China
Sea is unnecessary.
-- China looks to strengthen ties with new UNSC member Panama
and Nicaragua's newly elected President Daniel Ortega, even
though neither country recognizes the PRC.
-- China congratulates Margaret Chan on her selection as to
lead the World Health Organization (WHO). China believes WHO
membership for Taiwan is not appropriate, but that decision
is made by the World Health Assembly, not by Ms. Chan.
-- President Hu will have bilateral meetings with the United
States, Japan and Russia on the margins of the APEC Leaders
Meeting.
-- The Year of Russia in China produced many achievements and
strengthened strategic partnership between the two countries.
U.S. Midterm Elections, Rumsfeld resignation
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2. China has no comment on the internal affairs of the
United States, MFA Spokesperson Jiang Yu said in response to
questions about the resignation of Defense Secretary Rumsfeld
and the U.S. midterm elections. China looks forward to
increasing military cooperation and understanding through
dialogue and exchange with the United States, she said.
China feels the development of peaceful and stable relations
between the United States and China is the consensus of both
the Republican and Democratic parties. Asked if China was
concerned about what a reporter called the "anti-China
sentiment" of Representative Nancy Pelosi, soon to be Speaker
of the House, Jiang said China is ready to work with the
United States and push for a constructive relationship.
DPRK; Six-Party Talks
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3. VFM Wu Dawei met Russian DFM Alexeyev today and called
for implementation of the September 2005 Joint Declaration
and speedy resumption of Six-Party Talks to achieve a
denuclearized, peaceful and stable Korean Peninsula, said
Jiang. On the topic of financial sanctions against North
Korea, Jiang said China hopes the current investigation by
Macao and the United States will be resolved at an early
date.
4. Asked by Global News Radio to confirm South Korean news
reports that FM Li is meeting this week with North Korean
officials, Jiang said she had not heard of such a meeting.
Japan,s Concerns On East China Sea Unnecessary
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5. Alleged oil drilling by China,s CNOOC company on the
continental shelf in the waters near the Chinese coast is a
normal development activity, said Jiang responding to a
question from a Hong Kong reporter. Jiang said Japan,s
recent expression of concern and anxiety over this
development is unnecessary.
China To Strengthen Ties with Nicaragua, Panama
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6. China noted the election of Daniel Ortega as President of
Nicaragua and is willing to establish state-to-state
relations with the Central American nation, said Jiang.
China also congratulates Panama on joining the UN Security
Council as a non-permanent member and looks forward to
strengthening relations between the two countries while
cooperating on a variety of international issues. Neither
Nicaragua nor Panama recognizes the People,s Republic of
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China.
Margaret Chan and Taiwan WHO Membership
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7. China congratulates Margaret Chan on her selection as the
new World Health Organization (WHO) Secretary-General.
Taiwan is not a sovereign nation and thus not eligible for
WHO membership, said Jiang when asked if Chan would be more
receptive to Taiwan's membership bids. The acceptance of new
members into the WHO is the common decision made by all
members of the World Health Assembly, not the personal
decision of the Secretary General. Chan will independently
conduct work in accordance with the rules and regulations of
the WHO and care for the health and well-being of all people,
Jiang said.
8. A reporter stated that FM Li told visiting U.S.
Undersecretary Nicholas Burns that the United States
supported Chan's candidacy and asked how the U.S. expressed
this support. Jiang responded that China congratulates Chan
and appreciates the support and trust in Chan shown by all
involved country.
APEC Summit Meetings
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9. In response to a question, Jiang said President Hu will
have bilateral meetings with leaders of the United States,
Japan and Russia on the margins of the APEC Economic Leaders
Meeting, November 18-19.
Year of Russia Concludes
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10. Asked by a CCTV journalist about the achievements of the
Year of Russia in China and preparations for the Year of
China in Russia, Jiang said the Year of Russia in China was a
great success, strengthening both countries, strategic
cooperative partnership. Over 200 events were held in an
array of fields, including politics, economics, culture,
education, IT and military. Goals for the Year of China in
Russia include raising mutual understanding, cooperation and
strategic partnership.
Randt