Beijing has denied supplying lethal weapons to any party involved in the war in Ukraine, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that he has “information” suggesting China is arming Russia.
“The Chinese side has never provided lethal weapons to either party in the conflict and strictly controls dual-use items,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on April 18.
Zelensky did not provide specific details to support his accusation but stated that Kyiv is “ready” to discuss these claims in more detail.
Last week, the Ukrainian president said Kyiv is aware that at least 155 Chinese nationals have been deployed to assist Moscow in its war against Ukraine and claimed that the Ukrainian army had captured two Chinese soldiers in the eastern Donetsk region, according to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.
Beijing reiterated on Friday that “our position on the Ukraine issue is consistent and clear.”
“We have continuously made efforts to stop hostilities and promote peace talks,” Lin said.
China has positioned itself as a neutral party in the three-year-long war in Ukraine, despite criticism from Western governments that its close ties with Russia have provided Moscow with significant economic and diplomatic support.
