TAIWAN:With its mind clearly set on Taiwan and on separatist movements within its own borders, China yesterday lambasted Kosovo's unilateral declaration of independence from Serbia and called on both sides to keep talking.
China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the UN Security Council, is worried that recognition would set a worrying precedent for its own territorial battles. It has threatened to invade the self-ruled island of Taiwan, which it considers a renegade province, if it tries to declare independence. Beijing is also faced with containing movements in Tibet and Xinjiang which are seeking greater autonomy.
Foreign ministry spokesman Liu Jianchao said China was "deeply concerned" by the Kosovo move and warned it violated international law.
"Kosovo's unilateral act could produce a series of consequences that will lead to a seriously negative influence on peace and stability in the Balkan region and on the realisation of building a multi-ethnic society in Kosovo," he said.
Commentaries in various newspapers warned of the knock-on effects of the move on countries worldwide with independence movements.
The Taiwanese, keen to take advantage of mainland Chinese alarm at the Kosovo move, said it wanted to build relations with Kosovo and maybe establish diplomatic ties. Beijing warned Taiwan it had "no right" to recognise Kosovo. - Clifford Coonan