China's first team of peacekeepers to Kosovo, composed of 12 policemen, will set off on April 26, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman said in Beijing Friday.  

In response to question on China peacekeeping activities in Kosovo, spokesman Kong Quan said the team will join the United Nations Interim Administration in Kosovo (UNMIK).

Kong said China has insisted on respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity in Serbia and Montenegro, implementing the UNSC Resolution 1244, securing equal rights of all ethnic groups and supporting the United Nations' peacekeeping efforts.

China is willing to join hands with international community to make its due efforts for handling properly the Kosovo issue, Kong added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 23, 2004)