Beijing Denies Ukraine’s Claims of Chinese Troops Supporting Russia

Beijing refutes Ukraine’s claim of Chinese fighters in the conflict, asserting it is unfounded. China advises its citizens against joining conflicts and emphasizes its role in peace efforts. The U.S. expresses concern over China’s support for Russia, while military actions continue on both sides in the conflict.

Beijing has officially rejected Ukraine’s assertion that significant numbers of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. On a recent occasion, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed that two Chinese citizens were captured and that more were involved with Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region. This claim marks the first allegation of Chinese fighters in Ukraine during the ongoing conflict since February 2022.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian characterized Ukraine’s claims as “totally unfounded” and emphasized China’s efforts in promoting a peaceful resolution to the crisis. He stated that the Chinese government advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones and refrain from participating in hostilities, implying that those captured joined Russian ranks voluntarily.

Despite providing strong diplomatic backing for Russia, China has not officially sent soldiers or military equipment to aid the country during its invasion of Ukraine. Lin highlighted that China has developed a peace proposal for the conflict, but it was quickly dismissed by international observers due to its vagueness.

Additionally, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce remarked that the United States finds the reports of Chinese citizens involved in the conflict concerning, labeling China as a significant enabler for Russia’s war efforts. She claimed that China supplies nearly 80% of essential dual-use items necessary for Russia’s military operations.

While Ukraine and the U.S. previously indicated that North Korean troops might be supporting Russia, both Ukraine and Russia accept foreign soldiers into their military units. The ongoing military engagements continue around the extensive front lines, with each side preparing for intensified spring-summer campaigns. Notably, a drone attack in Kramatorsk resulted in injuries to several civilians, whereas the Russian Defense Ministry claimed to have downed multiple Ukrainian drones during nighttime assaults.

Air traffic in several Russian regions was disrupted due to the drone attacks, showcasing the continuing tensions and exchanges between the two warring nations.

In summary, China has denied Ukraine’s claims about Chinese nationals fighting alongside Russian forces and reiterated its stance on maintaining distance from armed conflicts. The U.S. regards these reports as troubling, highlighting China’s significant role in supporting Russia through resources. As the conflict persists, both sides prepare for upcoming military actions along the front lines amidst ongoing drone confrontations.

Original Source: www.usnews.com