Gambiaj.com — (BRUSSELS, Belgium) – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi privately told the European Union’s foreign policy chief this week that Beijing cannot accept Russia losing its war against Ukraine, an EU official briefed on the discussions has revealed—signaling China’s geopolitical concerns behind its public stance of neutrality.
The revelation emerged following a lengthy four-hour meeting on Wednesday in Brussels between Wang and Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, where officials say the two engaged in “tough but respectful exchanges” over sensitive topics including cybersecurity, trade imbalances, Taiwan, rare earths, and the Middle East.
According to the official, Wang’s comments suggest that China fears a Russian defeat could allow the United States to shift greater focus toward containing Beijing. The remarks indicate China may prefer a prolonged conflict that diverts U.S. resources and attention away from Asia.
This private stance sharply contradicts China’s official position. During a regular press conference on Friday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning reaffirmed Beijing’s long-standing public posture, insisting that China remains neutral and committed to peace.
“China is not a party to the Ukraine issue,” Mao said. “China’s position on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent—that is, negotiation, ceasefire, and peace. A prolonged Ukraine crisis serves no one’s interests.”
She also emphasized China’s willingness to work with the international community to push for a political solution “in line with the will of the parties concerned.”
However, China’s actions tell a more complicated story. Just weeks before Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a “no limits” partnership. Since then, Beijing has deepened economic and diplomatic ties with Moscow.
China has repeatedly offered itself as a mediator in the conflict, but analysts say it has much at stake, including the risk of losing Russia as a strategic ally.
Although Beijing denies providing military aid to Russia, concerns have grown over reports of Chinese-made components being found in Russian weaponry. Ukraine has sanctioned several Chinese companies for allegedly supplying drone parts and missile technology to Moscow.
Following a heavy Russian missile and drone strike on Kyiv on Friday, Ukraine’s deputy foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, posted photos of drone wreckage he said included a part marked “Made in China,” dated June 20.
Sybiha also revealed that the Chinese Consulate General’s building in Odesa suffered minor damage during Russian strikes on the city, calling it a grim metaphor for how Russia’s war is dragging in foreign actors, including North Korean troops, Iranian arms suppliers, and Chinese firms.
“Security in Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific is inextricably linked,” Sybiha wrote.
Meanwhile, this year has seen further reports alleging that Chinese nationals have been fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. China has denied any official involvement, warning its citizens against joining foreign military activities.
The latest revelations highlight the growing gap between China’s diplomatic rhetoric and its strategic calculations as the war in Ukraine grinds on into its third year.
