VZCZCXRO8110
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #4357/01 1790939
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 280939Z JUN 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 9443
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHGB/AMEMBASSY BAGHDAD 0120
RUEHMD/AMEMBASSY MADRID 0715
RUEHROV/AMEMBASSY VATICAN 0099
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1761

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 004357 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL UNSC KS KN JA IZ VT SP CH
SUBJECT: JUNE 28 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: DPRK MISSILE LAUNCHES, 
SIX-PARTY TALKS, CHINA-IRAQ COOPERATION, US HOUSE ON 
COMFORT WOMEN, SCO, STRATEGIC DIALOGUE 
 
BEIJING 00004357  001.2 OF 002 
 
 
¶1. Key points at the June 28 MFA Press Conference were: 
 
-- The MFA noticed reports of DPRK missile launches yesterday 
and the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers discussed the 
Korean nuclear issue over the phone this morning. 
 
-- China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and 
efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said the spokesman when 
asked about reports that President Talabani agreed to buy 
police weapons from China. 
 
-- FM Yang will visit the Kyrgyzstan July 7-8 and will attend 
the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council 
meeting on July 9. 
 
-- The MFA touted the success of the 4th Strategic Dialogue 
in Washington. 
 
DPRK Missile Launches, Six-Party Talks 
-------------------------------------- 
 
¶2. At the June 28 regular MFA press briefing, spokesman Qin 
Gang stated the MFA has noticed reports of DPRK missile 
launches yesterday when asked for comment on the matter and 
said that the Chinese and Japanese Foreign Ministers 
discussed the Korean nuclear issue over the phone this 
morning.  Qin reiterated China's hope that all parties can 
maintain the positive momentum made in the Six-Party Talks 
and implement the initial actions at an early date. 
 
Arms Sales to Iraq, Active in Reconstruction 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
¶3. China is actively engaged in Iraq reconstruction and 
efforts to benefit the Iraqi people, said Qin when asked 
about reports that Iraqi President Talabani has agreed to buy 
police weapons from China.  China hopes Iraq maintains its 
sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, Qin 
added. 
 
Japan Has Historic Responsbility to Resolve Issues 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶4. China's consistent position on comfort women and forced 
labor during World War II is that Japan should take a 
responsible attitude toward history to appropriately, 
earnestly and truthfully deal with these issues, said Qin in 
response to questions on the recent House Foreign Affairs 
Committee resolution urging a formal apology to comfort women 
and a ruling by Japan's Sapporo High Court rejecting redress 
demands. 
 
FM Yang to Kyrgyzstan, SCO FM Council 
------------------------------------- 
 
¶5. At the invitation of Kyrgyzstan FM Atambaev, FM Yang will 
pay a visit July 7-8 to meet with leaders and discuss 
bilateral and regional issues.  On July 9, FM Yang will 
attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) FM Council 
meeting in Bishkek to prepare for the August SCO Summit and 
exchange ideas on deepening cooperation between member 
states. 
 
Strategic Dialogue a Success 
---------------------------- 
 
¶6. The successful 4th United States-China Strategic Dialogue 
was conducive to increasing mutual understanding and trust 
and further developing the constructive bilateral 
partnership, commented the spokesman on the meetings. 
Judging from the United States' reaction, both countries have 
a common view on the success of the Dialogue, in added, which 
included discussions on bilateral and international issues of 
common interest. 
 
MFA Refutes Remarks that Hong Kong is "Caged Bird" 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶7. Under the successful policy of Hong Kong self rule, the 
region has witnessed economic prosperity and improved living 
standards and enjoys internationally recognized democracy and 
freedom, Qin stated in response to a remark by Chen Shui-bian 
that over the last ten years Hong Kong has been like a bird 
in a cage with no democracy and limited freedom. 
 
Pandas for Spain, Vatican Letter, MFA Audit 
------------------------------------------- 
 
BEIJING 00004357  002.2 OF 002 
 
 
 
¶8. The spokesman remarked that two panda bears given to Spain 
would serve as "envoys of the Chinese people" in promoting 
friendly Sino-Spanish relations.  China's stance based on 
"the two principles" toward the Vatican is consistent and 
clear, said Qin when asked for comment on the Pope's 
intention to send an open letter to Chinese Catholics.  Qin 
confirmed that the MFA had completed an audit by the 
Auditor-General providing no further details, when asked by a 
reporter if the MFA had misused or embezzled funds. 
RANDT