VZCZCXRO0702
OO RUEHCN
DE RUEHBJ #4956 0751036
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
O 161036Z MAR 06
FM AMEMBASSY BEIJING
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 0450
INFO RUEHOO/CHINA POSTS COLLECTIVE
RUEHBW/AMEMBASSY BELGRADE 0020
RUEHRO/AMEMBASSY ROME 0848
RUEHVJ/AMEMBASSY SARAJEVO 0004
RUEHSQ/AMEMBASSY SKOPJE 0104
RUEHVB/AMEMBASSY ZAGREB 0082
RUEHPS/USOFFICE PRISTINA 0003

C O N F I D E N T I A L BEIJING 004956 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 03/16/2016 
TAGS: PREL PGOV SR CH
SUBJECT: PRC/KOSOVO: BEIJING WILLING TO ACCEPT INDEPENDENCE 
PROVIDED SERBS AGREE 
 
 
Classified By: Political External Unit Chief Edgard Kagan. Reasons 1.4 
(b/d). 
 
 (C) The PRC is not opposed to independence for Kosovo as 
long as all interested parties agree, according to MFA 
International Organization Department UN Division Director 
Yang Tao.  In a March 15 meeting, Yang said that the Kosovo 
issue is very sensitive because of its unique history. 
Noting that the PRC supports final status talks, Yang said 
Beijing believes some countries are prejudging the resolution 
of the question of Kosovo's sovereignty and even trying to 
influence the outcome by calling for independence.  He said 
the PRC would look favorably at an agreement that was reached 
through the final status talks and is acceptable to all the 
parties.  Expressing he personal view, Yang commented that 
China accepts the possibility of a referendum to determine 
Kosovo's future status and would support the results of such 
a referendum  provided it reflects the will of the people in 
Serbia and Montenegro and not just the residents of Kosovo. 
Noting strong Russian views on this matter, Yang stated that 
Kosovo is a very complicated issue that is particularly 
sensitive for China and could also set precedents that could 
have a negative impact on a number of Soviet bloc countries. 
 
RANDT