ABC, Australia
Feb 18, 2008

The Chinese Government has criticised Kosovo's decision to split from Serbia.

In a statement posted on the Foreign Ministry's website, China has
expressed "deep concern" that Kosovo has declared its independence.

According to spokesman Liu Jianchao "All along China has deemed
negotiations between Serbia and Kosovo to reach a mutually acceptable
plan as the best way to resolve the Kosovo problem," he said.

Now, he said, China was "deeply worried about the grave negative
impact" that Kosovo's unilateral declaration would have on the region.

As well as having links with Serbia, China is worried that its own
regions of Tibet and Xinjiang might see an increased push for
independence.