Wikileaks - MDLII
241117 12/22/2009 9:42 09BEIJING3422 Embassy Beijing UNCLASSIFIED VZCZCXRO2574 OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC DE RUEHBJ #3422/01 3560942 ZNR UUUUU ZZH O 220942Z DEC 09 FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 7335 INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE RUEHLO/AMEMBASSY LONDON 3657 RUEHKT/AMEMBASSY KATHMANDU 3878 RUEHPF/AMEMBASSY PHNOM PENH 1000 RUEHKO/AMEMBASSY TOKYO 0159 RUEHBM/AMEMBASSY BUCHAREST 1095 UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 BEIJING 003422
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL, PHUM, PARM, MNUC, KNNP, SENV, CH, EUN, JA, NP, CB
SUBJECT: DECEMBER 22, 2009 MFA PRESS BRIEFING: CLIMATE CHANGE FALLOUT, UK CITIZEN SENTENCED TO DEATH, UIGHUR CONCERNS, NEPALESE PM TO VISIT CHINA
1. Key points at the December 22 MFA press briefing were:
-- China took positive measures in Copenhagen during the Climate Change Conference.
-- UK citizen Akmal Shaikh was sentenced to death for drug smuggling despite claims that he suffers from mental disorders.
-- No deal was made with Cambodia to return Uighurs to China.
-- Nepalese PM Madhav Kumar Nepal will visit China from December 26 - 31.
Climate Change Conference Results
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2. At the December 22 regularly scheduled Foreign Ministry press briefing, Spokesperson Jiang Yu denied accusations that China "hijacked" the climate conference, insisting that China made strong efforts at COP-15. China's attitude and effectiveness are "on par" with every other country, she said. No deals were made with any countries to achieve a particular outcome, she emphasized, adding that because developed countries did not honor their commitments, they are in no position to criticize developing countries. Responding to a statement that China could make a greater effort on climate change, Jiang stated that the COP-15 conference was a new beginning to press ahead on commitments.
Death Sentence for UK Citizen
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3. Regarding UK citizen Akmal Shaikh, who was sentenced to death for drug smuggling despite claims that he suffers from mental disorders, Jiang said judicial authorities handled the situation in accordance with the law. Drug smuggling is a serious crime in China, and Mr. Shaikh's rights were respected and consular visits were arranged, she insisted. Asked if an execution order has been formally issued and if diplomats may attend any proceedings, Jiang said these questions should be referred to the proper public security authorities.
Cambodia's Handing Uighurs Over to China Not Influenced by Aid
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4. Accusations that Cambodia handed 20 Uighur "criminals" to China to preserve PRC aid are groundless, said Jiang. These "criminals" are in violation of both PRC and Cambodian border entry/exit laws, she said. This is an internal legal issue of China, and no one should be pointing fingers because the law will be followed, said Jiang. She reiterated that no strings were attached to aid. Regarding questions as to the Uighurs' whereabouts, Jiang said that the question would be better directed to public security authorities.
Hu Jintao Visit to Japan a Positive Step
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5. With Japan's new government in power, Vice President Xi Jinping has made a successful visit to Japan, meeting with people "from all walks of life" and working towards long-term stability to serve the two countries' common interests, said Jiang.
China Respects Romania's Path Forward as a Sovereign Country
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6. Asked for a comment on the twentieth anniversary of Romania's liberation from communism, Jiang mentioned that China respects the social system and path of development determined by countries for their own benefit. The relationship between Romania and China remains strong because both countries respect each others' sovereignty.
Nepalese PM to Visit China
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7. Nepalese Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal will make his first official visit to China from December 26 - 31. Specifics of the visit are yet to be determined. Asked if China will treat this new government differently than the previous Maoist government, Jiang replied that China always supported the Nepalese government and its path to development. "Its internal issues are just that, internal issues," she said. China hopes for the sake of peace Nepal can achieve national reconciliation.
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