VZCZCXRO3644
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #7334/01 3390021
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 050021Z DEC 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3787
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 007334 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV PHUM CH
SUBJECT: December 4 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: IRAN, KITTY HAWK, NEW 
CATHOLIC BISHOP, A/S HILL, SED, VISITS 
 
¶1. Key points at the December 4 MFA Press Briefing: 
 
-- Iran's nuclear issues: China opposes international proliferation 
of nuclear weapons 
 
-- China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong Kong. 
 
 
-- New Catholic bishop in Guangzhou: Promote friendship between 
Vatican and China 
 
-- A/S Hill to exchange views with Chinese officials on Six-Party 
Talks process 
 
-- SED: Important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust 
 
-- Visits: ROK PM Han Duk Soo, UK PM Gordon Brown, UK Conservative 
Leader David Cameron 
 
Secretary Rice and FM Yang Exchange Views On Iran 
 
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--------------------------------------------- ---- 
 
¶2. At the December 4 regular MFA press briefing, MFA Spokesman Qin 
Gang confirmed the December 4 telephone conversation between 
Secretary Rice and FM Yang.  Both sides exchanged views on Iran's 
 
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nuclear issues, he added.  When a reporter asked whether China is 
going to impose a third round of sanctions on Iran, Qin reiterated 
China's opposition to the international proliferation of nuclear 
weapons and its commitment to diplomatic negotiations for the proper 
settlement of the Iranian issue. 
 
¶3. Qin could not confirm the new intelligence report from the United 
States claiming Iran stopped developing nuclear weapons in 2003.  He 
repeatedly stated "China's position on Iran is persistent." 
 
Kitty Hawk 
---------- 
 
¶4. "China informed and allowed the USS Kitty Hawk to enter Hong 
Kong," Qin stated.  Regarding the United States' decision to go 
through the Taiwan Strait, the United States should "take a prudent 
route in a highly sensitive area," Qin replied. 
 
New Bishop In Guangzhou 
----------------------- 
 
¶5. Guangzhou now has a new Catholic bishop, Qin confirmed.  China 
hopes to take this opportunity to further promote friendship between 
the Vatican and China, he added. 
 
A/S Hill Visiting Beijing 
------------------------- 
 
¶6. EAP Assistant Secretary Christopher Hill will visit Beijing 
December 5, Qin confirmed.  He will meet with Chinese officials to 
exchange views on the Six-Party Talks process. 
 
Strategic Economic Dialogue 
--------------------------- 
 
¶7. When asked about China's expectations for the upcoming Strategic 
Economic Dialogue (SED), Qin replied China highly values the SED. 
It is an "important forum to enhance strategic and mutual trust," he 
said.  China hopes to exchange views candidly and push forward trade 
and economic ties. 
 
Germany Opposes Taiwan's Referendum 
----------------------------------- 
 
¶8. China "appreciates Germany's opposition on Taiwan's referendum," 
Qin stated.  Germany's position on this is based on bilateral 
cooperation and friendship between China and Germany, he added. 
 
Island Dispute Between China and Vietnam 
---------------------------------------- 
 
¶9. When asked to comment on the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry's recent 
announcement claiming sovereignty over Xisha Island, Qin said China 
has "indisputable sovereignty" over this island and any accusation 
against China is groundless. 
 
Chavez's Referendum Defeat and Russian Election 
--------------------------------------------- -- 
 
¶10. China has taken note of President Chavez's referendum defeat and 
hopes for social stability in the region.  China also took note of 
the election victory of the United Russia Party.  China hopes for 
continual promotion of strategic partnership and coordination with 
Russia. 
 
Foreign Journalists Welcomed During Olympics 
-------------------------------------------- 
 
BEIJING 00007334  002 OF 002 
 
 
 
¶11. A reporter asked whether China would bar certain journalists 
from covering the Olympics for political reasons.  China welcomes 
reporters from around the world to "cover China fairly and 
objectively," Qin said. 
 
Chinese Computer Hackers 
------------------------ 
 
¶12. British media reports accusing China of cyber espionage are 
"irresponsible," Qin stated.  China opposes and prohibits activities 
undermining computer systems and jointly works with other countries 
to counter cyber attacks. 
 
Visits 
------ 
 
¶13. Qin confirmed FM Yang's visit to Malaysia December 7-8.  FM Yang 
will also visit Laos.  President Hu will visit Japan in 2008.  ROK 
Prime Minister Han Duk Soo will visit China December 10-11.  UK 
Prime Minister Gordon Brown will visit China in January and UK 
Conservative Party Leader David Cameron will visit China soon. 
 
RANDT