NAPSNet Daily Report 15 December, 1999

 
CONTENTS

I. United States

II. People’s Republic of China

III. Announcements

I. United States

1. Light-Water Reactor Project

The Associated Press (Sang-Hun Choe, “N. KOREA GETTING NUCLEAR REACTORS,” Seoul, 12/15/99) and Agence France Presse (“OFFICIALS SIGN LANDMARK DEAL TO BUILD REACTORS FOR N.KOREA,” Seoul, 12/15/99) reported that officials from the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) signed a deal in Seoul on Wednesday approving the construction of two light-water nuclear reactors for the DPRK. Desaix Anderson, KEDO’s executive director, after signing the contract in Seoul with Choi Byung-soo, the president of the ROK’s state utility company, Korea Electric Power Corporation, said, “today’s event reflects the improving political climate surrounding the Korean Peninsula.” Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono said, “we strongly urge North Korea to fully cooperate with IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) and nations concerned to fulfill its obligation to meet the request of international society.”

2. ROK Satellite Station

The Associated Press (“S. KOREA PLANNING SATELLITE STATION,” Seoul, 12/15/99) reported that ROK President Kim Dae-jung said Wednesday that the ROK will have its own satellite launching station using locally produced facilities by 2005. Cho Kyu-hyang, senior presidential secretary for education and culture, said that candidate sites for the launch station included the southern coastal towns of Namhae and Kohung.

3. PRC, DPRK Missile Sales to Pakistan

Agence France Presse (“PAKISTAN GETTING MISSILE TECHNOLOGY FROM CHINA, NORTH KOREA: MINISTER,” New Delhi, 12/15/99) and Reuters (“INDIA SAYS CHINA, N.KOREA BEHIND PAKISTAN MISSILES,” New Delhi, 12/15/99) reported that Indian Foreign Minister Jaswant Singh told the parliament on Wednesday that the Pakistan missile program was receiving help from the PRC and the DPRK. Singh said he believed that the DPRK was helping Pakistan with liquid fuel, long-range missiles, missile technology and components. He also said that Pakistan’s Ghauri missile was the Pakistani version of the DPRK’s Nodong missile. Singh also stated that the PRC supplied Pakistan with M-11 solid fuel missiles as well as technology and components related to its production. He said that “external assistance to Pakistan’s missile program is continuing,” but India has already conveyed its “consequent security concerns arising from such supplies and assistance.”

4. East Timor Commission Reports

The Associated Press (“EAST TIMOR COMMISSION REPORTS BACK,” Geneva, 12/15/99) reported that a statement on Wednesday said that the United Nations commission of inquiry on East Timor briefed the office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mary Robinson that it heard evidence of Indonesian soldiers’ involvement in the violence that followed the territory’s independence vote. The UN commission said it “heard testimony of the destruction of evidence including removal of bodies from the site of killings.” It also “heard evidence of the involvement of militia groups and army personnel in the intimidation and terror complained of.” Robinson’s office said the panel is “unanimously of the view that the investigatory process into the allegations of atrocities should be continued with a view to bringing those responsible to justice.” It did not mention the establishment of a war crimes tribunal. The report will be presented to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan before the end of the year.

5. Russian Missile Test

Associated Press (Vladimir Isachenkov, “RUSSIA FIRES NEW MISSILE, WARNS WEST,” Moscow, 12/15/99) reported that Russia successfully launched a new a Topol-M intercontinental ballistic missile on December 14. Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin, who witnessed the test, said in a speech to military officers at the Plesetsk launch pad in northwestern Russia that Russia “will use all diplomatic and military-political levers in its disposal” to confront Western opposition. The missile flew across Russia and hit its target on the Kamchatka peninsula, some 3,400 miles to the east. According to Russian news agencies, Putin said, “Some nations and blocs under cover of international organizations are interfering into affairs of independent states, and trying to speak to them in the language of force. We are not used to such language, since Russia has a nuclear shield.” Putin also warned the US against trying to modify the Anti-Ballistic Missile Treaty to build antimissile defenses. The Russian military has said that fitting multiple warheads to the Topol-M missiles would be a part of Russia’s response if the US walks out of the treaty.

II. People’s Republic of China

1. Light-Water Reactor Project

China Daily (“NUCLEAR PLANT AGREEMENT LIKELY,” 12/14/99, 11) reported that Japanese Government officials said on December 13 that the construction of two foreign-financed nuclear power plants in the DPRK is likely to be approved this week. A Japanese Foreign Ministry official said the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) will sign a contract for construction of the plants. Representatives of KEDO and the Korea Electric Power Corporation, which will do the construction, are expected to sign the deal in Seoul on December 15.

2. DPRK-Japanese Relations

People’s Daily (Wang Dajun, “JAPAN LIFTS REMAINING SANCTIONS AGAINST DPRK,” Tokyo, 12/15/99, P6) reported that Japan announced on December 14 that it will lift the remaining sanctions, which include freezing food aid and negotiations on normalizing diplomatic ties, against the DPRK. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Mikio Aoki said that the recent visit to the DPRK by a delegation headed by former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama created an appropriate atmosphere for dialogue. Other sanctions, including suspension of charter flights and contributions to the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization, have already been removed. On the same day, the ROK government expressed its welcome to the decision made by the Japanese government and pledged to help the dialogue between Japan and DPRK.

3. DPRK-US Relations

People’s Daily (Zhang Li, “DPRK ACCUSES US CONGRESS OF HINDERING IMPROVEMENT OF BILATERAL TIES,” Pyongyang, 12/09/99, 6) reported that a DPRK Foreign Ministry spokesman on December 8 accused the US Congress of hindering the improvement of the relations between the two countries. The spokesman said in a Korean Central News Agency interview that the US obstacles will have an adverse impact on the prospect of the high-level talks to be held between the DPRK and the US. The spokesman also said some Republicans insisted on implementing a “hard-line” policy toward the DPRK to prevent the US administration from carrying out its policy towards the DPRK. Because of this, the Foreign Ministry spokesman said, the DPRK will not discuss and decide important affairs such as the issue of DPRK’s missile capacity with the present US administration, which has only one year left. Instead, the DPRK will watch the attitude of the US congress and makes an appropriate decision.

4. ROK-PRC Relations

China Daily (“KIM HAILS MACAO’S RETURN,” Seoul, 12/13/99, 1) reported that ROK President Kim Dae-jung on December 11 commended Macao’s forthcoming return to the PRC. The settlement of the issues of Hong Kong and Macao in the form of “one country, two systems” fully demonstrates the outstanding ability and wisdom of the Chinese people, Kim said while meeting PRC Foreign Minister Tang Jiaxuan. Kim reiterated that his government will continue to support the one-China policy. Kim said he hoped that the Taiwan issue will be solved satisfactorily. The president also praised the PRC for its assistance to the ROK and other nations and for not depreciating its currency during the Southeast Asian financial crisis in late 1997. Regarding ROK-PRC relations, Kim spoke highly of the rapport between the two nations and said he was looking forward to more positive exchanges and cooperation with the PRC in the new century. Tang said the PRC will continue to improve DPRK-ROK ties and bring peaceful reunification to the Korean peninsula. He also said he supported the DPRK’s improved ties with the US, Japan and other western countries.

People’s Daily (Gao Haorong, “KIM DAE-JUNG MEETS WITH TUNG,” Seoul, 12/09/99, P6) reported that ROK President Kim Dae-jung met with Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Tung Cheehwa on December 7 and pointed out that one-third of foreign investments into the ROK are from Hong Kong. Kim also said Hong Kong an important role in helping the ROK economy recover after the Asian Financial Crisis in 1997. Kim hoped the ROK and Hong Kong will continue their cooperation and seek common prosperity in the 21st century. Tung said that both Hong Kong and the ROK should learn from each other and that Hong Kong will continue to cooperate with the ROK in tourism, investment and infrastructure.

5. PRC-US Relations

China Daily (Hu Qihua, “FM: TREATIES APPLICABLE TO MACAO AFTER DECEMBER 20,” 12/15/99, P1) reported that PRC Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Zhang Qiyue said on December 14 that the PRC is urging the US to settle the issue of compensation for the PRC’s loss caused by the May 7 bombing of the PRC Embassy in Yugoslavia. She said a settlement would be conducive to the improvement and development of PRC-US relations. The talks that began on December 14 were the fifth round of negotiations on compensation for the bombing. In response to a question about the case against Taiwan-born scientist Wen Ho Lee, Zhang said some people in the US cling stubbornly to a Cold War mentality. With that mentality, she said, they have fabricated lies about the so-called PRC theft of nuclear technology from the US. Zhang said the liars had ulterior motives and were trying to defame the PRC and undermine PRC-US relations. Facts will debunk their conspiracy however, she said.

People’s Daily (“CHINA STRONGLY PROTESTS US SUPPORT OF TAIWAN IN WHO,” Beijing, 12/11/99, 2) reported that the PRC on December 10 lodged a strong protest against US President Bill Clinton’s recent signing of two bills in support of Taiwan’s participation in the World Health Organization (WHO). PRC Vice-Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi made the protest in a meeting with the Charge d’affaires of the US embassy in the PRC, G. Eugene Martin on December 10. Yang said that President Clinton disregarded the PRC opposition when he signed the bills, saying that the US State Department will report to the US Congress the various governmental departments’ support of Taiwan’s participation in international organizations, especially the WHO. Prior to this, President Clinton also signed the Omnibus Act, containing clauses in support of Taiwan’s participation in the WHO, and saying that the US State Department will submit a report every half year to Congress on the efforts of governmental departments’ support of Taiwan’s participation in the international organizations which are composed of sovereign states. Yang said, “I, entrusted by the Chinese government, have lodged strong protest against the U.S. government’s acts of seriously infringing upon China’s sovereignty and grossly interfering in China’s internal affairs.” Yang also stressed that the PRC demands that the US strictly abide by the “one China” policy, observe the three joint communiques and relevant commitments, take concrete steps to correct its wrongdoings and never support Taiwan’s entry into the WHO and other international bodies in which only a sovereign state can join. He said that if the US does support Taiwanese entry, it must be prepared for serious consequences. Yang urged Martin to immediately report the PRC’s solemn representations and strong protest to the US government. In reply, Martin said that he would immediately do so.

China Daily (“NEW US AMBASSADOR TO CHINA,” Beijing, 12/11/99, 2) reported that Joseph W. Prueher, the new US ambassador to the PRC, arrived in Beijing on the night of December 9. In an arrival statement, Prueher expressed confidence that the PRC and the US, whose common interests transcend disputed issues, can advance relations in an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding.

6. PRC-Russian Relations

People’s Daily (Zhang Jingyu, “JIANG ZEMIN HOLDS INFORMAL MEETING WITH YELTSIN,” Beijing, 12/10/99, 1) reported that PRC President Jiang Zemin and visiting Russian President Boris Yeltsin held an informal meeting in Beijing on December 9. Both sides exchanged views on the further promotion of Sino-Russian friendship and cooperation and on international issues of mutual concern. The two heads of state spoke highly of the smooth development of bilateral friendly relations of cooperation, and stressed that comprehensively promoting good- neighborly relations between the two countries is the common aspiration of both peoples. They agreed to work together to further develop the Sino-Russian strategic and cooperative partnership in the new century. Jiang expressed satisfaction with bilateral cooperation on international issues in recent years, and said that both the PRC and Russia are held profoundly responsible for pushing forward multi-polarization and maintaining the global strategic balance and stability. The Russian president stressed that his country firmly stands for establishing a multipolar world, saying that global issues can not be determined by a single country, but rather, must be decided by all countries of the world. He said that major issues concerning the future and destiny of the world can only be determined with extensive participation by the entire international community.

People’s Daily (Zhang Jingyu, “CHINESE PRESIDENT MEETS WITH RUSSIAN COUNTERPART,” Beijing, 12/11/99, 1) reported that PRC President Jiang Zemin held a second session of the informal summit with Russian President Boris Yeltsin at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse on the morning of December 10. Macao will return to the PRC in a couple of days, Jiang said, describing the event as “another big step forward” for PRC’s great cause of reunification. Jiang noted that under such circumstances, the settlement of the Taiwan issue and the task of accomplishing the PRC’s eventual reunification have become still more pressing. President Yeltsin reiterated the Russian government’s consistent adherence to its principled stance on the Taiwan issue and its support of the PRC reunification cause. Yeltsin said that Russia will not accept the absurdity that cross-strait relations are “state-to-state relations.” As to the Chechen issue, Jiang said the PRC supports Russia’s move to crack down on terrorism and separatism in Chechnya and safeguard its national unity and territorial integrity. The Chechen issue is an internal affair of Russia, Jiang noted, underlining that no country has the right to intervene in a sovereign nation’s crackdown on terrorist and splittist activities within its territory.

7. PRC-Japanese Relations

China Daily (“SINO-JAPANESE RELATIONS SIGNIFICANT,” Tokyo, 12/11/99, 2) reported that Japanese Emperor Akihito said on December 10 that it is very significant for his country to develop relations with the PRC to enable the people of the two countries to have a better knowledge about the history between them. The emperor made the remarks while meeting Li Ruihuan, chairman of the National Committee of the PRC People’s Political Consultative Conference, who is on an official goodwill tour to Japan. Li said that peace, friendship and cooperation between the PRC and Japan conforms to the fundamental interests of the two peoples. However, Li stressed the important thing is that the two countries should draw lessons from history and look to the future.

8. PRC Position on Taiwan

China Daily (“TAIWAN: REUNIFICATION THE GOAL,” 12/14/99, 3) reported that visiting PRC leader Li Ruihuan reiterated the PRC position on Taiwan in an interview with the Japan Broadcasting Corporation (NHK). Li, Chairman of the National Committee of the PRC People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that the PRC will spare nothing to reunify with Taiwan. Li warned that no one should underestimate the PRC’s determination and capabilities to solve the problem. Commenting on the “two states theory” of Taiwanese leader Lee Teng-hui, Li said this idea thoroughly negates the one-China policy recognized by the international community. He said it aims to sever the province from Chinese territory. The principles of “peaceful reunification” and “one country, two systems” are the PRC’s approach to holding Taiwan. He said these ideas take into account the practical interests of Taiwan compatriots. Li said that since the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are compatriots and brothers, there are no differences that could not be put aside and no enmities that could not be overcome under the one China principle. Li also said what happens between Taiwan and the PRC hinges on whether Taiwan authorities wake up at the last moment. He noted that since the Chinese people always consider sovereignty and territorial integrity more important than their own life, no PRC leader or any generation of the PRC leadership will give away any part of the Chinese territory. Li warned that “if anybody persists in going his own way to segment Taiwan from the map of China in disregard of the desire of the Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait for peaceful reunification, prosperity and development, we will have no other choice.”

9. PRC View on “China Threat”

People’s Daily (Wen Xian and Yu Qing, “LI RUIHUAN REFUTES `CHINA THREAT’ FALLACY,” Tokyo, 12/14/99, P1) reported that visiting PRC leader Li Ruihuan, in an interview with Japan Broadcasting Corp (NHK) in Tokyo over the weekend, emphasized that a developed PRC will not pose a threat to any country. Li, Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), described the “China Threat” fallacy, spread around the world in recent years by a small group of people with ulterior motives, as utterly unjustifiable. He said that the PRC will not pose a threat to any country even if it is developed. Li said, “China, having pursued an independent foreign policy of peace, hopes to co-exist with other countries peacefully, and wishes to have a peaceful, stable international atmosphere. China will not change this policy as it is in the Chinese people’s long-term fundamental interests.” Instead, Li said, the PRC will bring about troubles to other countries if it fails to develop. Li also said, “with a population of more than 1.2 billion people, China will see no domestic stability if its economy stops growing, and its people will rush abroad to escape famine and poverty under that scenario.” Li said the “China Threat” fallacy, preached by a handful of people with the aim to hinder the PRC development, is doomed to failure because the PRC’s development is irresistible.

III. Announcements

1. KEDO Website

The Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO), the international organization responsible for providing the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) with two light-water reactors and interim supplies of heavy fuel oil, announced the Internet address of its web site at www.kedo.org. The website includes press releases, fact sheets, annual reports, and other documents regarding the light-water reactor project.

2. Washington DPRK Roundtable

The Institute for Strategic Reconciliation is hosting the 6th Washington North Korea Forum on “Assessments of 5- years of U.S. Emergency Assistance to North Korea and Prospects of U.S. Aid in Y2K to North Korea.” The keynote speaker will be Len Rogers, Deputy Assistant Administrator of the US Agency for International Development. Rogers, the official in charge of US assistance programs to the DPRK, will assess the last 5-years of US aid to the DPRK, including the issues of transparency, monitoring, targeting, and Food for Work programs, and discuss prospects of the US emergency and development aid to North Korea in 2000. The forum will be held on Thursday, December 16, 6:30 pm, at DoubleTree Hotel at Tysons Corner, Virginia. For information, contact ISR at 301-570-3948, or isr_washington@yahoo.com.

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