CHINESE POSITION ON KOSOVO UNCHANGED: NO PRC

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 000575 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 02/19/2028 TAGS: PREL PGOV CH YI UN KV UNMIK SUBJECT: CHINESE POSITION ON KOSOVO UNCHANGED: NO PRC RECOGNITION OF KOSOVO WITHOUT SERBIAN AGREEMENT REF: STATE 16319 Classified By: Political Minister Counselor Aubrey Carlson. Reasons 1. 4 (b/d). ¶1. (C) Summary: China's position on Kosovo has not changed, and no PRC recognition of Kosovo independence is on the horizon, MFA officials said in meetings at both the working and senior levels February 18 and 19. MFA officials state that China's concerns center on the possibility of Taiwan's using the opportunity for political purposes, as well as the effect of the declaration on international law and UN Security Council Resolutions. China hopes that Kosovo and Serbia can solve their dispute via consultations. End Summary. EAP A/S Hill Discussion with AFM Liu Jieyi -------------- ¶2. (C) As reported septel, EAP Assistant Secretary Christopher R. Hill raised the Kosovo issue with Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jieyi on February 18. A/S Hill noted that the February 17 unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo was the latest step in a difficult process, that recognition of Kosovo's independence is consistent with the recommendation of UN Special Envoy Martti Ahtisaari, and that Kosovo independence is not a precedent for Taiwan independence. AFM Liu expressed concern that Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence could have repercussions for peace and stability in the Balkan region, said the declaration could have negative implications for the authority and validity of UN Security Council resolutions and international law, and expressed hope that Serbia and Kosovo will continue negotiations. Liu urged the United States to make clear statements of its view that Kosovo is not a precedent for Taiwan. PolOff delivers demarche to MFA -------------- ¶3. (C) POLOFF conveyed reftel points on the February 18 U.S. decision to recognize Kosovo's declaration of independence to MFA European Affairs Department Balkans Division Deputy Director Hua Yafang on February 19. Hua thanked POLOFF for the information provided, but said that China's position on the matter has not changed, reiterating that China will not recognize Kosovo until Serbia agrees. POLOFF stressed the need for constructive cooperation on the matter, and Hua agreed the two sides should keep in touch on the Kosovo issue. RANDT