Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07BEIJING7210
2007-11-23 09:12:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Beijing
Cable title:  

CHINA'S TAIWAN CONNECTION IN OPPOSING KOSOVO

Tags:  PREL PGOV UNSC CH TW YI 
pdf how-to read a cable
VZCZCXRO3678
OO RUEHCN RUEHGH RUEHVC
DE RUEHBJ #7210 3270912
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 230912Z NOV 07
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3613
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE IMMEDIATE 0036
RUEHTI/AMEMBASSY TIRANA IMMEDIATE 0081
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 1902
RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA IMMEDIATE 0012
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 007210 

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2027
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC CH TW YI
SUBJECT: CHINA'S TAIWAN CONNECTION IN OPPOSING KOSOVO
INDEPENDENCE


Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons
C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 007210

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 11/23/2027
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC CH TW YI
SUBJECT: CHINA'S TAIWAN CONNECTION IN OPPOSING KOSOVO
INDEPENDENCE


Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1.
4 (b/d).

Summary
--------------


1. (C) While denying that Kosovo independence would set any
precedent for Taiwan, Chinese experts acknowledge that
China's concerns over its own "sovereignty" and "territorial
integrity" mean that China will be reluctant to support
Kosovo's independence over the objections of Serbia. Views
vary on whether, following the result of December 10 troika
discussions, China would ever recognize Kosovo if Belgrade
did not. One expert said China might be more flexible toward
Kosovo following March 2008 presidential elections in Taiwan.
End Summary.

MFA Circumspect on Kosovo
--------------


2. (C) MFA Balkans Division Deputy Director Hua Yafang was
coy on Kosovo and would not comment on China's course of
action upon the conclusion of Troika negotiations on December

10. She told PolOff November 20 that China's position on
Kosovo had not changed and China remains hopeful the current
Troika negotiations can result in a peaceful outcome
satisfactory to all parties. MFA International Organizations
Department UN Division Deputy Director Yao Shaojun told
PolOff that, while China agrees that the current situation in
the Balkans is "unsustainable," China hopes that the
"conclusion" of Troika negotiations will be a chance to
review progress on the Kosovo issue, not a "deadline."
China, Yao said, believes that the problem can only be solved
with negotiation and with the agreement of all parties,
including Serbia.

Kosovo and Taiwan Parallels
--------------


3. (C) In conversations with PolOff, our MFA contacts
resolutely denied any parallels between Taiwan and Kosovo.
National Defense University Professor Cai Jingsong (protect),
however, told PolOff that similarities between Kosovo and
Taiwan mean that China will certainly support Serbia's
opposition to a "unilateral" change of status for Kosovo on
December 10. Serbian Political Counselor Aleksandr Jankovic
told PolOff November 16 that Chinese MFA officials told him
confidentially that Beijing will never recognize Kosovo

SIPDIS
unless Serbia does, specifically citing Taiwan and the desire
not to "set a bad precedent" as the rationale. Jankovic said
that Serbia was pressing for a "Hong Kong" type arrangement
for Kosovo, which the Chinese government supported.

Future Moves
--------------


4. (C) Professor Cai was less categorical than Jankovic. He
said that China might soften in its stance following March
2008 presidential elections in Taiwan. At that time, he
said, China's actions on the international stage will be less
scrutinized for signals by Taiwan and are less likely to
become "ammunition" for Taiwan politicians to rally support
during campaigns.
RANDT