The official Beijing rejected the accusations of President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky on the supply of Russian military products, including gunpowder and artillery systems. China's response sounded against the backdrop of increasing concern for the international community regarding the role of China in Russia's war against Ukraine.
The statement of the Ukrainian leader was commented by the spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China Lin Jian. In his official speech, which is cited by Reuters , the diplomat stressed that China has never provided lethal weapons to either side of the conflict. According to him, Beijing strictly controls the export of dual -use goods - products that can have both civilian and military use.
“The statement of the Ukrainian side is groundless. China has always adhered to neutrality in the issue of war in Ukraine. We oppose unfounded accusations and political manipulations, ”Lin Jian emphasized.
We will remind, the other day Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia receives military components from China, in particular the explosives used in the production of gunpowder, as well as artillery systems. This has become part of a broader discussion on the supply of weapons to Russia from third countries, which is actively discussed in Ukrainian and Western political circles.
Although earlier Western intelligence has repeatedly pointed to the increase in the economic cooperation of China and Russia during the war, the evidence of mass supply of fatal weapons from Beijing was not publicly provided publicly.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stressed that Beijing's position remains unchanged - supporting diplomatic efforts to resolve conflict, avoid escalation and a peaceful solution to the problem.
“From the very beginning of the conflict, China is trying to be a neutral party, encouraging negotiations and political settlement. We are not a side of the conflict, and our approach is to promote peace as much as possible, ”Lin Jian added.
Beijing also reminded that according to Ukraine itself, the main components of Russian weapons - including electronics, chips and optical equipment - often come from Western countries, not from China.
China is trying to balance between the support of its strategic partner of Russia and maintaining good relations with the West. While Beijing regularly declares neutrality, he has also repeatedly blocked or restrained to UN initiatives aimed at increasing pressure on the Kremlin.
Washington and Brussels have repeatedly warned China about the "unacceptability" of Moscow's military support, and although the direct supply of weapons are not fixed, analysts indicate possible indirect assistance - through the supply of technologies, drones, communications or components.
