U.S. and Hong Kong (2005)

State Department Briefing, May 31

State Department spokesman Richard Boucher briefed the press May 31.

Following is the transcript of the State Department briefing:

(begin transcript)

Daily Press Briefing
Tuesday, May 31, 2005

1:25 p.m. EDT
Briefer: Richard Boucher, Spokesman

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: There is a report out of Beijing that the North Korean Government is sending millions of people who live in cities, including some members of its foreign ministry, out into the countryside to try to help farm. And this is interpreted by some aid officials as an effort to stave off famine. Have you seen this kind of mobilization and do you interpret it in the same way?

MR. BOUCHER: Simple answer is I don't know and I'll have to check.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

QUESTION: China. It is reported that the Chinese authorities detained a Singaporean journalist who was stationed in Hong Kong. Do you have any comment on this?

MR. BOUCHER: We are concerned about the reports about this case and we'll be seeking information from Chinese authorities about Mr. Ching's status. Once again, it's important to remember that freedom of press is very fundamental to internationally recognized human rights. We view any attempts to stifle the free flow of information with great concern. Arrests of journalists in China have a chilling effect on press freedoms and elsewhere in the society. So we will follow this situation closely and make inquiries about it.

QUESTION: Did you talk to Chinese Government on this issue already?

MR. BOUCHER: I don't think we've had occasion to do that yet.

Yeah. Sorry, there's one or two more.

[ ...Intervening Text... ]

(The briefing was concluded at 2:15 p.m.)

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