China’s foreign ministry on Wednesday rejected Ukraine's accusations that more Chinese citizens are fighting on behalf of Russia, labeling the claims as “groundless.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated a day earlier, without providing any evidence, that two Chinese men fighting with Russian troops had been captured and indicated there were “many more” on the battlefield. The Trump administration, which has intensified a trade conflict with China, described the news as “disturbing.”
In response, a spokesman for China’s foreign ministry, Lin Jian, indicated that Beijing was in the process of “verifying the relevant situation” regarding the two individuals with Ukraine. He dismissed the notion that numerous Chinese citizens were engaged in combat for Russia, reiterating that the Chinese government has instructed its citizens to avoid involvement in armed conflicts.
“China’s position in the Ukraine crisis is very clear and is widely recognized by the international community,” Lin stated during a news briefing.
The exchange occurs amid heightened tensions for both Ukraine and China. The Trump administration has moved closer to Moscow while attempting to mediate cease-fire discussions with Kyiv and has escalated threats against Beijing, including a 104 percent tariff on all Chinese goods that took effect on Wednesday.
State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce labeled the claims of Chinese citizens fighting for Russia as “disturbing,” asserting that “China is a major enabler of Russia in the war in Ukraine.” She cited Beijing’s provision of what Washington considers dual-use items necessary for Russia to continue its military efforts.
“As President Trump has said, continued cooperation between these two nuclear powers will only further contribute to global instability and make the United States and other countries less safe, less secure, and less prosperous,” she added.
Despite claiming neutrality in the conflict, China has provided Russia with diplomatic and economic support, which the Biden administration contends has enabled Russia to maintain its offensive capabilities. China has been sourcing large quantities of Russian oil and supplying technologies applicable in warfare, such as drones. Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin have met multiple times to strengthen their ties, including military cooperation.
In his remarks on Tuesday, President Zelensky did not imply that the Chinese fighters had been dispatched by Beijing’s military, but he referenced their presence as evidence that President Putin is unwilling to pursue peace.
Throughout the conflict, both Russia and Ukraine have included foreign fighters in their ranks. These individuals are typically foreign volunteers or mercenaries, although Russia’s military has also recruited North Korean soldiers.
While the presence of Chinese fighters on the front lines in Ukraine has not been reported in Chinese state news media, there have been unverified social media claims in China regarding mercenaries from the country participating in the conflict.