U.S. Relations With the People's Republic of China (2009)

U.S. Department of State

Philip J. Crowley
Assistant Secretary

Daily Press Briefing

Washington, DC
October 14, 2009

12:51 p.m. EDT

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QUESTION: Guinea's military government announced a mining deal with a Chinese company. Does the U.S. think that's appropriate?

MR. CROWLEY: We have expressed concerns about this kind of activity, whether -- we think it's important that, as you do business with countries, that you also have respect for human rights. You have -- you find ways in dealing with countries that -- to see effective governments, legitimate governments, emerge.

I'm not going to comment specifically on that particular business arrangement. We are significantly concerned about events in Guinea. We have made clear, both in discussion there in Conakry, discussions here in Washington, that the current junta led by Captain Dadis Camara should step aside, should open the door for legitimate elections so that a legitimate government, duly elected by the people of Guinea, can emerge. We also think that there should be an international investigation of the events recently that result in the deaths of over 150 people.

At some point in time, it really does matter what do you do when you engage with a particular country to help that country advance. And we certainly think that it's a responsibility -- we certainly take on this responsibility ourselves that in our dealings with various countries, we are pushing to see better governments emerge, corruption dealt with. And that is our focus right now in -- with respect to Guinea.

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QUESTION: Can you comment on the Chinese deal with Russia over Gazprom on natural gas? Is this something --

MR. CROWLEY: I cannot. I don't know.

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(The briefing was concluded at 1:11 p.m.)