China Unchanged on Kosovo: No Recognition, No

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 002610 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 07/02/2028 TAGS: PREL UN UNMIK PGOV YI EU KPKO KV CH SUBJECT: China Unchanged on Kosovo: No Recognition, No Membership in International Organizations Ref: State 69691 Classified by Political Officer Ted Lyng. Reasons 1.4 (B/D). ¶1. (C) PolOff conveyed reftel points urging China to recognize the independence of Kosovo to MFA European Affairs Department Balkans Division Deputy Director Hua Yafang on July 1. Hua thanked PolOff, but responded that the information provided "does not affect China's position" and that China will not recognize of Kosovo. MFA International Organizations and Conferences Economic Affairs Division Deputy Director Guo Xuejun said that China does not recognize Kosovo's independence, and therefore does not support Kosovo's membership in the IMF or World Bank. Using the same formulation that China applies to Taiwan, he said China opposes Kosovo's membership in all international organizations for which statehood is a requirement. Serbian Embassy Counselor Aleksandr Jankovic told PolOff separately on July 2 that "Serbia is quite satisfied with China's position" on Kosovo and that he does not foresee any change in China's stance. RANDT