Ukraine's claim that significant numbers of Chinese citizens are fighting on the side of the Russian army has been described as “completely baseless” by an official in Beijing.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Ukrainian forces had captured two Chinese citizens fighting alongside the Russian army in the eastern part of Donetsk region and had evidence that “significantly more” Chinese were serving in the Russian forces.
This is the first statement by Ukraine about Chinese fighters on its territory in three years since the Russian invasion began.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said in Beijing that China is playing a “constructive role in the political resolution of the Ukrainian conflict.”
Lin added at a daily press conference that “the Chinese government always calls on Chinese citizens to avoid conflict areas, not to participate in any form of armed clashes, and especially to refrain from participating in military actions on any side.”
His words seem to indicate that the captured Chinese joined the Russian forces of their own free will.
China has provided significant diplomatic support to Russia since it launched a full-scale invasion of its neighbor in February 2022.
Beijing also offered economic assistance through trade in energy and consumer goods, but deliberately did not supply Russia with troops, weapons, or military specialists.
A vague plan for a peaceful resolution was proposed, but was quickly rejected by most observers.
Earlier, Ukraine and the United States reported that thousands of North Korean troops were providing assistance to Russia under an agreement between the Kremlin and the Pyongyang government.
Both Russia and Ukraine allow the use of foreign mercenaries.
US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told a briefing in Washington on Tuesday that the US was “aware” of reports of Chinese nationals being detained fighting on Russia's side, calling the reports “troubling”.
“China is a key accomplice to Russia’s war in Ukraine,” Bruce said, adding that China supplies nearly 80 percent of the dual-use goods Russia needs to wage war.
Tensions between Washington and Beijing have risen in recent years amid disagreements over trade, technology and geopolitical competition.
The Kremlin has effectively rejected the US proposal for an immediate and complete 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. The Kiev government has agreed to this.
Both sides are expected to prepare for the spring and summer
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
