Beijing, Apr 9 (EFE).- China denied Wednesday that any of its citizens were fighting alongside Russian troops in the war in Ukraine and reiterated its stance of neutrality and its commitment to a political resolution of the conflict.
Responding to a question on the alleged capture of two Chinese citizens on the Donbas front, foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said that China’s position on the crisis in Ukraine was clear and consistent and had been widely recognized by the international community.
The spokesperson said that Beijing was verifying the information with the Ukrainian side and stressed that the Chinese government had always urged its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and refrain from participating in military operations by any of the parties.
On Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the capture of two Chinese soldiers fighting as part of the Russian army and said that Kyiv had information that there could be many more Chinese citizens in Russian units.
When asked about criticism from Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who said that these events put into question China’s credibility as a peacekeeping power, Lin defended Beijing’s objective and impartial position and commitment to promoting a ceasefire and dialogue.
The world has witnessed China’s constructive efforts in seeking a political solution, he added.
Beijing has repeatedly rejected Western accusations of possible military support for Moscow and has advocated for an approach based on respect for the territorial integrity of countries but also on addressing the legitimate concerns of all parties, referring to Russia.
The capture of the two alleged Chinese fighters represents a new diplomatic front for Beijing amid growing tensions with the US and the European Union over the trade war, the situation in the South China Sea, and China’s role in the global geopolitical arena. EFE
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