Tuesday, April 15, 2025 - Tensions flared Tuesday as China pushed back against what it called “political manipulation and hype” following Ukraine’s public display of captured Chinese nationals allegedly fighting alongside Russian forces.
The response came after Ukraine held a press conference on
Monday, where two Chinese prisoners of war, shown under armed guard, appealed
to be exchanged and urged others from China not to join the conflict.
“China is verifying the relevant information and
circumstances,” said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a press
briefing in Beijing.
“We urge relevant parties to accurately understand China’s
objective and impartial stance, and to refrain from political manipulation and
hype.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy added fuel to the
controversy Friday, claiming that “several hundred Chinese nationals” were
fighting alongside Russian troops on the front lines, a statement that raised
eyebrows internationally and intensified scrutiny on Beijing’s role in the war.
In response, Lin reiterated China’s official position of
neutrality. “China has repeatedly issued safety advisories, urging Chinese
citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict and to avoid becoming
involved in conflict in any form,” he said.
China has maintained that it provides no lethal assistance
to either side, distinguishing itself from Western countries, including the
United States, which have supplied arms to Ukraine.
Still, Beijing’s close ties with Moscow continue to raise
concerns in Western capitals.
“With regard to individual actions and consular cases
involving Chinese citizens overseas, China handles them in accordance with the
law,” Lin added.
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