UNITED NATIONS - China Tuesday called on relevant parties to solve the Kosovo issue through dialogue and avoid any move to deteriorate the current situation in the region.

Speaking to an open Security Council meeting on Kosovo, Wang Min, Chinese deputy permanent representative to the UN, said the situation in northern Kosovo continues to be tense in recent times and the number of voluntary returnees of displaced persons has declined remarkably. "China expresses its concern in this regard," he said.

"The relations between ethnic groups in northern Kosovo is sensitive and complex. We hope that the parties concerned will adopt prudent approach with a view to promoting national reconciliation and maintaining the stability of the region by resolving their differences through dialogue and avoiding any action that may further complicate or escalate the situation," he said.

China has always maintained that mutually acceptable solution on the Kosovo issue should be sought within the framework of Security Council Resolution 1244 and on the basis of dialogue among various parties.

Wang said that China congratulates on the establishment of the new Serbian government and hopes Belgrade and Pristina to continue and promote dialogue process.

"It is not only in the interest of the parties and the well- being of their people, but is also conducive to the peace and stability of the Balkan region and the whole Europe at large," he said.

Serbian parliament approved a new government led by Prime Minister Ivica Dacic at the end of July.

China supports the work of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) in line with the mandate conferred upon it by the Security Council, and calls for a more positive and constructive role for the international presence in Kosovo in solving relevant problems, Wang added.