Chinese ambassador:China not changing its position on Kosovo

BELGRADE - The Chinese government stands by the position that it will not recognise Kosovo's independence, says Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Manchang.

I know that over 100 countries have recognised Kosovo's independence, but the Chinese government stands by its position and has no intention of changing it, Ambassador Li told the Vecernje Novosti daily.

China has full understanding for Serbia's positions regarding Kosovo-Metohija, he said, adding that UN SC Resolution 1244 is the foundation for resolving the issue.

Speaking about the strategic partnership between China and Serbia, he said that major projects serve as a testimony to it, and cited the bridge across the Danube River, the E-763 motorway and the Kostolac coal-fired power plant as examples.

The long-standing friendship between the two nations was reflected recently by the assistance during the floods in Serbia, the ambassador added.

Serbian President Tomislav Nikolic's visit to Beijing last year made a contribution to a further strengthening of the strategic partnership, said Li, who noted that he attaches great attention to Prime Minister Aleksandar Vucic's upcoming visit to China on September 9-10, and added that he expects much from it.

Speaking about collaborative projects, the ambassador said that the prime ministers of Serbia, China and Hungary have made a declaration of intent to build a railway line from Belgrade to Budapest.

I now expect a step forward to be made in this regard, Li said.

Photo Tanjug, R. Prelic (illustration)