China’s foreign minister on Friday denied allegations from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy that the Asian country has been supplying weapons to Russia.
Mr. Zelenskyy’s claims are “groundless” and China is dedicated to the peace process, Foreign Minister Lin Jian said at a press conference.
“China’s position on the Ukrainian issue has always been clear,” Mr. Lin said. “It has been actively committed to promoting a ceasefire and ending the conflict, as well as encouraging peace talks.”
Mr. Lin’s comments come after Mr. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian intelligence had discovered that some weapons used by Russian forces were manufactured in China.
“We finally have information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation,” Mr. Zelenskyy said Thursday. “We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons in the territory of Russia.”
Mr. Zelenskyy did not provide further details on the reportedly Chinese-made weapons found by Ukrainian forces, but he made references to artillery.
While China has stood behind Russia during its war against Ukraine, it has officially stayed out of the conflict and has assumed a neutral position.
However, tensions between the Ukrainian leadership and Beijing have increased recently following the discovery of two Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in the Donetsk region this month.
China has denied any knowledge of the Chinese soldiers, adding that it has warned its citizens against traveling to Russia to participate in the conflict. Immediately following the soldiers’ capture, Mr. Zelenskyy said there could be as many as 150 Chinese citizens fighting for Russia.
