China calls for ‘constructive dialogue’ between Serbia, Kosovo to help defuse tensions

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – China on Monday called for “constructive dialogue” between Serbia and Kosovo as tensions between the neighboring countries have flared in recent weeks.

“Relevant parties need to continue practical and constructive dialogue, and actively look for a lasting solution to the Kosovo issue,” said a Chinese Foreign Ministry statement.

“China respects Serbia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it said.

Beijing believes “that the security and lawful rights and interests of ethnic Serbs in the Kosovo region should be upheld," it added.

Kosovo is largely made up of ethnic Albanians, but it has an ethnic Serbian minority, especially in the country’s north, near the border with Serbia.

“Unilateral moves do not help address the issue and disrupt regional security and stability,” said the statement.

The Chinese remarks came after a series of recent steps by Kosovo have raised tensions, according to the Serbian government, including making the euro the only legal currency in Kosovo, effectively outlawing use of the Serbian dinar.

Nine branches of the Serbian Post Office, or Posta Srbije, which operated in northern Kosovo, were also closed last month.

Kosovo declared its unilateral independence from Serbia in 2008, and is recognized as independent by dozens of countries, including Türkiye, but Serbia still sees Kosovo as its "own territory."