China remains firm on its position regarding Kosovo

"China always supports the efforts of Serbia in its defense of its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and insists on the preservation of international laws and norms of international relations, as well as the UN Security Council's Resolution 1244," Wei told Serbian daily Blic.

He reminded that China submitted a written report to the International Court of Justice regarding the legality of Kosovo's unilaterally proclaimed independence, stating that it was the first time that China participated in a written or oral debate before the International Court of Justice.

"We believe that the path of negotiations between the Serbian side and Kosovo's temporary institutions is the only way to reach an acceptable solution for both sides. China is a country that leads equal principles towards the entire world. Its support of Serbia is not due to traditional friendship, but has to do with the preservation of international law and international relation norms, and preserving the authority of the UN," he added.

Serbian President Boris Tadic said that Kosovo will never become a member-state of the United Nations without Serbia's approval.

"This fact alone speaks clearly that without Serbia, the problem of the future status of Kosovo cannot be solved," Tadic said, adding that the idea of forcing Serbia into a corner with a plan for a sped up recognition of Kosovo independence is not giving any results.

He added that Serbia is for these reasons posing the Kosovo question before the international institutions-the UN Security Council and the International Court of Justice-adding that in the end, a constructive, peaceful, sustainable, and bilaterally acceptable solution must be found.

Tadic added that after the ICJ decision, Serbia will decide what legal and diplomatic steps it will take, but repeated that Serbia will never accept the plan of Martti Ahtisaari.

"I deeply believe in negotiations and dialogue and other political obligations, in non-violent methods, a peaceful and rational process. All who believe that another route exists are very wrong. Without negotiations and dialogue and a compromise by both sides, there is no solution," Tadic said, adding that the politicians urging Pristina to refuse compromise and dialogue are making a mistake.