On the afternoon of April 11, 2007, Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun held a briefing for Chinese and foreign journalists on the Darfur issue of Sudan and introduced his recent visit to Sudan as the special envoy of the Chinese government. Qin Gang, Deputy Director-General of the Information Department hosted the briefing.
Qin Gang: Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. Assistant Chinese Foreign Minister Zhai Jun visited Sudan as the special envoy of the Chinese government from April 6 to 9 and returned to Beijing yesterday afternoon. Today, we are very glad to invite him to meet with Chinese and foreign journalists and introduce his visit to Sudan.
Zhai Jun: Good afternoon.
As the special envoy of the Chinese government I paid a four-day visit to Sudan from April 6 to 9. I met with Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir and Sudanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Karti and visited Northern and Southern Darfur. The main purpose of my visit was to exchange in-depth views with Sudanese leaders and related officials on bilateral relations and the issue of Darfur and make field investigation on the security and humanitarian situation in the Darfur region. Now I would like to introduce to you my visit.
I. Meetings and talks held during the visit
When meeting with Sudanese government leaders including President el-Bashir, I reiterated the four proposals on the Darfur issue made by President Hu Jintao during his visit to Sudan in February this year and introduced China's opinions on the current status of the Darfur issue. I told the Sudanese side that the international community is generally optimistic about the "dual track" strategy raised by the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative Eliasson. Taking into account the concerns of all parties, the Annan plan on the "peacekeeping" operations is an effective way of solving the Darfur issue. It is widely recognized by the international community and closest to the thought of the Sudanese side. I hope the Sudanese government shows further flexibility towards the plan and it will help the international community to address the concerns of the Sudanese side on the "track" of political process. The Chinese side appreciates the position of Sudan of holding a small summit with related parties on the Darfur issue during the Arab Summit Conference and agreeing to consult with the United Nations and the African Union to implement Annan's three-phase plan. As far as I am concerned, the consultations on the second phase have ended in Addis Ababa on April 9. The three sides basically reached consensus. Meanwhile, it is hoped that the Sudanese side continues to improve the humanitarian and security situation in the Darfur region and accelerate the political process of addressing the issue. China expects to continue to play a constructive role in realizing the peace, stability and development in the Darfur region.
The Sudanese side indicates that the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement marks a major progress in the political process of the Darfur region. At the end of last month Sudan renewed the agreement on facilitating the humanitarian assistance by the United Nations. Over the past half year the Sudanese side has made active efforts to maintain stability in Darfur. The Sudanese government appointed a number of officials in the Darfur region to the central government and transitional local regime, continued contacting the anti-government factions which had not signed the peace agreement, and improved relations with its neighboring countries. The Sudanese side accepts Annan's three-phase plan in principle and has reservations on some detailed problems. It has submitted the reservations to the Abuja Summit of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union for discussion, and the Abuja summit released a special communiqué and the United Nations Security Council also issued a chairman statement for approval. The Darfur Peace Agreement, the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the chairman statement of the UN Security Council altogether build the political foundation for the settlement of the Darfur issue. The Sudanese government, the UN and the Africa Union have basically reached consensus on the second phase "heavy support" of the Annan plan. On the candidate commander of the joint peacekeeping force, the Sudanese government holds the position that an African should be appointed. It is reported that Sudan and the African Union have decided that Nigeria should take the post of commander. The Sudanese side also hopes that the size of the joint force should be suggested by the field commander according to the real conditions and decided by Sudan, the African Union and the UN through consultations.
Sudan also indicated that it always hopes the international community push ahead the political process of the Darfur issue and opposes to deploying peacekeeping operations in a hurry without any progress in the political process. It appeals to the international community to implement the Annan plan step by step through consultations according to the communiqué of the Peace and Security Council of the African Union and the chairman statement of the UN Security Council. It is hoped that the international community listens to the opinions and reasonable concerns of and conducts dialogue and consultations on an equal footing with Sudan. It is conducive to solving all the disputes. Sudan expects to strengthen the communications and coordination with China and other related parties, take into each other's concerns and try to solve the Darfur issue at the earliest date possible.
II. Visit to the Darfur region
When visiting the North and South Darfur, I listened to the introduction of local officials including the governors, visited 3 refugee camps, held talks with the military and government officials of the two states and some tribal leaders, talked with a number of refugees and accepted the interview of local media. My general impression is that the current situation in Darfur is basically stable, the local government runs normally, the refugee camps are well managed with sound health conditions and the basic living of refugees is guaranteed. We appreciate that the effectiveness of international humanitarian agencies in their assistance activities. According to the local people, the security situation in Darfur is generally improved, especially after the signing of the Darfur Peace Agreement and crimes decreased considerably. I feel that at present there are two major problems. First, the number of refugees is big and second, sporadic armed conflicts between rival factions still broke out from time to time. These are the major factors influencing local security and stability.
III. Opinions
After the visit, I have the following opinions:
i. The Sudanese government is willing to conduct dialogue and cooperation with the international community on the Darfur issue, which can be seen from the speeches of the Sudanese leaders and the specific measures of the Sudanese government. More importantly, the Sudanese side hopes related parties conduct dialogue with it on an equal footing, treat it as a stakeholder of solving the Darfur issue and take into account its reasonable concerns. The international community should pay special attention to the methods of conducting dialogue with the Sudanese government in the future to make its work more effective.
ii. The Darfur issue in essence is an issue of development and the peacekeeping operations and political process should be pushed ahead in a balanced manner. The backward Darfur region has little natural resources and suffers poverty. The basic way of resolving the Darfur issue is economic reconstruction and development. Without economic growth, it will be impossible to improve the living conditions, people will continue fight for basic living materials and the root cause for local conflict will not be eradicated. Here we appeal to the international community to provide development assistance to the people in Darfur in addition to the humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, peacekeeping is closely linked with the political process. Advocating peacekeeping on one hand and supporting the armed confrontation of rivals with the government on the other hand will undermine the reunification and territorial integrity of Sudan and go against the consensus of the international community.
iii. China is willing to continue to play a constructive role on the issue of Darfur. It is the basic starting point of the Chinese government to realize the peace, stability and economic reconstruction in Darfur through negotiations. To delay the settlement of the issue is in the interest of no party. Since the Darfur issue appeared China has contacted various parties in such forms as exchanging visits of heads of state, dispatching special envoy, holding telephone conversations, exchanging letters and conducting coordination in the UN to narrow down differences and push forward dialogue on an equal footing. China pays attention to the humanitarian and security situation in Darfur and has offered a large number of humanitarian material assistance and donations to the Darfur region and the African Union Mission in Darfur. China expects to continue to make due contributions for the peace, stability and development in the Darfur region.
Qin Gang: Now Assistant Foreign Minister Zhai Jun will answer your questions.
Q: Just now you said the cooperation between China and Sudan were further strengthened. Would you give us some specific examples of such cooperation? You mentioned China had offered 80 million of assistance to Sudan. Is it 80 million RMB or US dollars? Is China considering increasing assistance to Sudan and sending peacekeeping force to Darfur? The US special envoy on the Sudanese issue Negroponte will also visit Sudan soon. The US is considering taking a series of actions on the Darfur issue, including setting no-fly zone, imposing travel restriction and financial sanctions. What's China response to those actions of the US?
A: My main task during the visit is exchanging opinions and coordinating position with the Sudanese side with the focus on urging the Sudanese side to show flexibility towards the Annan plan. As we all know Sudan has accepted the Annan plan in principle but has reservations on some detailed issues. We hope to remove the worry and address the concerns of Sudan through equal consultations so as to implement the Annan plan steadily. I believe some progress has been made and the Sudanese side has shown certain flexibility. On April 9, Sudan, the UN and the African Union held consultations in Addis Ababa and reached consensus on the second phase of Annan plan, with which both the UN and Sudan expressed satisfaction.
As for your second question, it is RMB80 million of assistance. China is still as developing country.
During my visit to Sudan, Vice Chinese Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo and the US Deputy Secretary of State Negroponte held telephone conversation on the Darfur issue. The general objective on the Darfur issue of China and the US is basically identical. It is our hope as well as the responsibility of the international community to solve the issue appropriately as soon as possible. The opinions and methods of our two countries might not be the same.
You mentioned Negroponte would also visit Sudan soon. I believe he will get some new ideas after conducting careful discussions and equal consultations with the Sudanese side. You said the US might consider setting the no-fly zone and intensifying sanctions. I think that we cannot make haste to solve the issue and sanction will not necessarily be effective. If we can solve the problem through dialogue and consultations, why should we impose sanctions? I have said during my visit to Sudan that the international community is responsible for helping Sudan to solve the Darfur issue instead of making new troubles, sharpening the contradiction and making the problem more complicated. Therefore, we do not support such measures as intensifying sanctions. We hope to solve the issue through consultations on an equal footing. And I feel it is fairly hopeful to solve the issue.
Q: Just now you said the Sudanese situation was stable. However, according to a UN report, 10 days before you visited Sudan the Janjaweed equipped with armed helicopter and supported by the Sudanese government made riots along the border between Sudan and Chad, causing heavy casualties of people and animals and destruction of houses. Did you hear this? The increase of military assistance of China to Sudan will make the situation between Sudan and Chad more unpredictable. Several days ago the Sudanese and Chadian governments delivered a stern statement to each other. War might break out between the two countries. Will the conflict in Darfur finally become war?
A: I only spent one day in the Darfur region. What I saw there is that the situation in most areas is indeed relatively stable. I dare not say that all the 500,000 square kilometers of the Darfur region is stable. It is possible to have armed conflicts in remote areas, especially along the border between Sudan and Chad. Most of the borderline is in Western Darfur where there is neither airport nor road. I have also heard related UN report. I do not rule out there are sporadic armed conflicts in some areas where I did not visit. Without armed conflicts people will not become refugees. But most of the refugees are the results of conflicts before 2004.
We hope to solve the Darfur issue as soon as possible and Sudan, Chad and their neighboring countries in Central Africa address related problems properly. Those problems are very sensitive and will easily influence the bilateral relations and lead to misunderstanding. I recently visited Sudan and Chad and talked about this issue with both countries. I hope they can address those problems appropriately. They have the will and are making continuous efforts. I believe neither of them hopes to see war. In particular, at present if war breaks out once again things will get worse.
Talking about Janjaweed, I don't think most people know what Janjaweed is. I want to tell you that Janjaweed means, "people riding horses and taking guns" in Arab. It is merely what the local people call bandit rather than militia organization or organization with plan, objective and creed.
I am not clear about the helicopter you mentioned.
Q: Recently, the Chinese government maintained a high profile in the diplomacy on the Darfur issue. This is the first time I hear you say that you hope the Sudanese government could demonstrate flexibility. Does that indicate the Chinese government including you is not satisfied with the practice of the Sudanese government? Although you said the situation in Sudan is getting stable, there are still some people blaming China for stimulating the arrogance of the local authority, such as the investment by Chinese-funded enterprises in Sudan. Are you worried that the international community will therefore hold the Chinese government accountable for the worsening of the humanitarian disaster in Sudan if China's diplomatic efforts fail?
A: We hope that the Sudanese government may demonstrate flexibility to Annan's plan for we think that the plan is comparably practical, acceptable to the international community and close to what Sudan thinks. We should resolve their concerns through discussions on the basis of this plan.
It is understandable that the Sudanese side has worries and concerns over Annan's plan and the deployment of peacekeepers, for instance, whether the number of peacekeepers is decided by the field commander. Sudan is a big African country covering an area of 2.5 million square kilometers. Sudan just solved the south-north conflicts, but there are still pending problems in the east and north. There is also the Darfur issue. Of course, they are concerned of the sovereignty and territorial integrity. If the UN forces enter the Darfur region with their heavy weapons, the Sudanese side is concerned that the situation will be out of control, which may ultimately affect its territorial integrity. These concerns are reasonable, but Sudan can consult with the international community, particularly the United Nations and the African Union, on how to resolve the issue. We should look at the issue from a realistic point of view rather than through blinkers. The obligation of the international community is to help Sudan resolve the problem rather than create more problems. It is irresponsible to hope to see the crumpling of the Sudanese government only because one dislikes it.
You mentioned that whether I am worried that the international community will hold the Chinese government accountable for the worsening of the humanitarian disaster in Sudan if China's diplomatic efforts fail. I want to say that the Darfur issue is not a new issue that emerged in recent years. It is an issue pending for many years. The issue existed in 1916 when the British were there. This issue is getting increasingly acute in recent years. It would be too far-fetched to blame China for Darfur issue only because China enjoys friendly relations with Sudan. I think the Darfur issue can be attributed to the issue of development. If all regions in Sudan can develop in a balanced manner and the people in all regions live well, there will be less and less such issues. It is normal for us to help Sudan develop through friendly cooperation. Offering humanitarian assistance is not sufficient. We should also offer development assistance to help the Darfur region rebuild homes and develop economy. The Chinese enterprises in Sudan are obliged to help the local people develop economy. We can do more in this area.
You said that the situation in Darfur region worsened. I don't agree with you. I have an opposite view. I think the situation now is better than before.
Q: I want to confirm whether you've said that the Sudanese government neither supported the "Janjaweed" directly nor offered the Janjaweed any assistance including weapons. How many soldiers has China dispatched to protect the oil pipeline in Sudan?
A: I don't know whether the Sudanese government supports Janjaweed. I just told you what I know of the Janjaweed. I suggest that you go and visit the Darfur region and you'll know what's really happening there.
China has dispatched over 400 peacekeeping military staffs in United Nations mission in Sudan to assist the implementation of the Peace Agreement signed between the south and the north. In terms of whether China will participate in the peacekeeping operations in the Darfur region, Sudan, the United Nations and the African Union are consulting with each other. When the three parties reach the final agreement on the execution of the peacekeeping operations and if they hope that China could participate, I think we'll positively consider it.
Q: You said that you visited three refugee camps and talked with refugees during your visit this time. What left you with the deepest impression?
A: The situation I saw in the three refugee camps is basically OK. I talked with some refugees and asked them some questions to know about their living conditions. The feeding issue is resolved. The temperature in Sudan is high, so there is no need to worry about coldness. The dwelling conditions in the camps are not good and the tents are worn-out. To be frank, the dwelling conditions of local people are not so good as well. However, the refugees were in good mood and many of them were not willing to go back home. It is probably because they felt that their safety couldn't be guaranteed when going back home. Moreover, they had to find ways to feed themselves when going back home. Therefore, it would be difficult to solve the refugee issue if the international community, especially the Sudanese side, hadn't paid attention to the reconstruction.
A: You mentioned several times that the Chinese government pays attention to the humanitarian and security situation in the Darfur region. But the weapons used by the conflicting parties come from China. Has China ever considered adjusting the arms sales policies toward the Sudanese military forces?
A: I think you know the arms sales policies of the Chinese government. We observe the following 3 principles: conducive to the self-defense ability of the receiving country; not damaging the peace, security and stability of concerned regions and the world; and not interfering in the internal affairs of the receiving country. China has been always abiding by the resolutions of the UN Security Council and has never exported weapons to the countries and regions embargoed by the UN Security Council. China does not export military products to any individual or non-state entity. China only exports military products to the sovereignty government with clear requirements that without the consent of China, the receiving country shall not transfer the military products to any third party. There aren't so many weapons exported by China.
Q: With the approaching of the Olympics, some people started talking about boycotting the Beijing Olympic Games and exerting pressure on the Chinese government through the Olympic Games. No matter how influential China is in Sudan, are you worried that the reputation of China will be undermined if China's diplomatic efforts fail?
A: I can tell you responsibly that China holds a fair position on and a fair attitude to all international issues, including the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula, the Iranian nuclear issue, the Iraqi issue and the conflicts between Israel and Palestine. China has always played a positive role in international affairs. In terms of the Darfur issue, China has been playing a positive role in dealing with Sudan in our own way. Some people say that the situation in the Darfur region including the humanitarian situation is worsening. What's the reality there? I think you may go and have a look yourselves. Don't just listen to what other people say. There is public opinion in the United Nations. Our task is to resolve problems rather than make the issue a hotspot. We will continue to promote the political process and increase our assistance to support the peacekeeping operations. Actually, it is due to the important role played by China that Sudan is willing to accept Annan's three-phase peacekeeping plan in principle and show flexibility to this issue. Of course, that does not mean we can do everything. It is because China and Sudan are both developing countries and the two countries established friendly ties based upon mutual respect and equal treatment that China can play such a role. As a permanent member in the UN Security Council, we will continue to work together with the concerned parties and play constructive roles in helping the Sudanese government solve the Darfur issue.
I don't think that China's image will be affected just because China maintains a friendly relation with Sudan. China has neither covered up for Sudan nor done any thing that hurt others.
Some people say that they will boycott the Beijing Olympic Games to protest China's Darfur policies. I believe that there are very few people saying that. Some of them say so due to their ignorance. They neither know the situation in Darfur nor understand China's position and role concerning the Darfur Issue. Some say so out of other motives. This is not in compliance with the internationally recognized nonpolitical principle of sports and runs counter to the Olympic spirit and the wishes of the people in the world. I believe that next year's Olympic Games in Beijing will be a successful and spectacular event that satisfies the people in the world.
Q: Does China maintain the same attitude to the Sudanese issue as other hotspot issues? Although China made great efforts to resolve the Iraqi issue, why has China never reacted so strongly as toady when facing the Darfur issue? What actions will China take if Sudan experiences the same situation as Iraq today?
A: We hold fair positions on all international hotspot issues and are willing to play a positive role in solving these issues. However, issues may differ and have different backgrounds and causes. The Sudanese side has some concerns and worries over the Darfur issue and is afraid of becoming another Iraq. I can tell you that we are not willing to see another Iraq. I'm convinced no one in the world is willing to see such thing happens. We believe that the Darfur issue should be resolved politically through dialogues and consultations on equal footings in the principle of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Hu Jintao also emphasized these two basic principles. I believe that you will draw the same conclusion if you could carefully study China's position and role, that is, China's position is fair and China's role is positive.
Generally speaking, the international community has reached consensus on the Darfur issue and is going to make efforts toward peace. All responsible countries should work toward this direction.
Q: You just said that China doesn't provide military assistance to any conflicting party. But China's Minister of Defense said that China hopes to strengthen the military cooperation with Sudan in his talks with the military leaders of Sudan. It seems contradictory to what you just said. Can you make some explanations?
A: I said that China's export of weapons should not damage the peace and stability of concern regions and China will not export weapons to countries and regions embargoed by the UN Security Council. I haven't heard that the Security Council barred the sales of weapons to Sudan. Moreover, China maintained normal cooperation with Sudan in all fields. I don't think there is anything wrong with that. In addition, you cannot guarantee that the weapons along the borders of Sudan and Chad are surely sold by China.
Q: If the UN Security Council passes the resolution to impose sanctions against Sudan, is China going to veto it? If China agrees the sanctions against Sudan, what conditions will China bring forward?
A: I think it is still out of question to talk whether the Security Council is going to impose sanctions against Sudan. Judging from today's situation, we propose not to exert pressure or impose sanctions. The Sudanese government has demonstrated further flexibility. The international community is working toward the same goal. After my visit, the Chairman of the African Union, the President of South Africa, the Deputy Secretary of State of the United States, and the Prime Minister of Malaysia visited Sudan. I think these diplomatic efforts are effective and the prospect is bright. Now it's not the time to consider whether the Security Council is going to impose sanctions or what measures China is going to take. Why don't you think for better?