Li Ming: The Kosovo issue should be resolved without double standards

The Ambassador of China to Serbia, Li Ming, stated that the issue of Kosovo was a point of risk for the Balkans and Europe, emphasizing that a political solution to this issue and maintaining stability in Kosovo were in the interest of all parties. He added that a mutually acceptable solution should be reached within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, through dialogue and without double standards.

Li Ming said in an interview with Politika that China's stance on the Kosovo issue was consistent and clear.

He stated that China firmly supported Serbia's efforts to protect its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, that it understood Serbia's legitimate concerns about the Kosovo issue, and appreciated the positive efforts made by the Serbian side in seeking a political solution.

"The issue of Kosovo and Metohija is a risk point for the Balkans and Europe, and a political solution to this issue and maintaining stability in Kosovo is in the interest of all parties. The Chinese side believes that within the framework of UN Security Council Resolution 1244, the two sides should reach a mutually acceptable solution to this issue through dialogue and consultations. In this process, full respect for Serbia's sovereignty and territorial integrity is necessary, and there should be no double standards," the ambassador said.

He also noted that in recent years, the situation in northern Kosovo had repeatedly demonstrated that unilateral actions only exacerbated fears, increased tensions, disrupted regional peace and stability, and delayed a final solution, which was not in the interest of any party.

"The Chinese side encourages the European Union to continue making positive efforts to promote dialogue between Belgrade and Pristina. We hope that the EU will play a constructive role as a mediator, remain neutral and impartial, and avoid excessive pressure," Li said.

He emphasized that the establishment of the Community of Serb-majority Municipalities was an important element of the Brussels Agreement in 2013.

"We hope that the existing agreements will be implemented, which will help the parties build mutual trust and initiate dialogue," the Chinese Ambassador added.

In the interview, Li also stated that Serbia and China had a glorious tradition of persistently opposing foreign aggression, demonstrating a strong will and determination to defend national sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity.

"We must continue to stand on the right side of history, uphold the international system with the UN at its core, the international order based on international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the goals and principles of the UN Charter. We must preserve international justice and equity, oppose hegemonism and power politics, and work together to be builders of world peace, contributors to global development, and defenders of the international order," Ambassador Li said.