China’s foreign minister has said that Beijing doesn’t sell lethal weapons in the Russia-Ukraine war.
“China’s principled position on the Ukrainian issue, emphasizing that China adheres to the political solution of hot-spot issues, insists on promoting peace and promoting talks, does not add fuel to the fire, does not take advantage of opportunities, and does not sell lethal weapons to conflict areas or conflict parties,” Wang Yi, foreign minister and director of the Chinese Communist Party’s foreign affairs commission, told his Ukraine counterpart Dmytro Kuleba in Munich on Saturday.
Kuleba informed Wang about Ukraine’s perspective and expectations for the upcoming Global Peace Summit in Switzerland, highlighting the international efforts to seek a resolution to the Ukraine conflict, according to the Ukrainian foreign minister’s post on X, formerly Twitter.
Wang participated in the 60th Munich Security Conference (MSC), which concluded on Sunday, where leaders from around the world gathered to discuss pressing geopolitical issues, with a particular focus on the Middle East, the Rafah offensive, and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
China hasn’t officially supported the Kremlin’s war in Ukraine but has provided financial assistance.
This year’s conference, marking its 60th edition, emphasized the critical challenges facing the European Union, as highlighted by Josep Borrell, the head of European diplomacy. According to Borrell, the paramount geopolitical issues include the situations in Ukraine, Gaza, and the southern countries, alongside defense concerns.
In the midst of these discussions, Wang, a senior Chinese official, provided clarity on China’s stance regarding the Russia-Ukraine war. Wang highlighted China’s nuclear policy, which he described as the most transparent and advanced among nuclear-armed nations.
This policy strictly adheres to the principles of not being the first to use nuclear weapons and refrain from using them against non-nuclear states, including Ukraine.
“After the Ukraine crisis, President Xi Jinping further pointed out that nuclear weapons cannot be used and nuclear war cannot be fought, and all parties should work together to safeguard the security of nuclear materials and facilities. China has fulfilled its commitments and international obligations,” Wang stated in a separate session called “China in the World” on Saturday.
Wang also elaborated on China’s principled position concerning the Ukrainian issue, emphasizing China’s commitment to a political solution and peace promotion.
“China’s principled position on the Ukrainian issue, emphasizing that China adheres to the political solution of hot-spot issues, insists on promoting peace and promoting talks, does not add fuel to the fire, does not take advantage of opportunities, and does not sell lethal weapons to conflict areas or conflict parties,” Wang said, underlining China’s stance of not exacerbating the conflict situation.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky participated in the MSC dialogue in Munich on Saturday, where he called on the U.S. and its allies to address the issue of “artificial deficit of weapons, particularly in a deficit of artillery and long-range capabilities,” CNN reported.
Reaffirming China’s dedication to fostering peace, Wang stated: “We will continue to play a constructive role in ending the war and re-establishing peace as soon as possible. Even if there is only a glimmer of hope for peace, China will not give up its efforts.”
Johannes Simon/Getty Images News/iStock
Despite acknowledging the challenges in resuming negotiations, Wang expressed China’s unwavering commitment to peace, guided by President Xi Jinping’s principles of respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, adhering to the United Nations Charter, considering the security concerns of all nations, and supporting efforts towards a peaceful resolution of crises.
“This is China’s authoritative position and fundamental compliance with the Ukraine issue,” Wang concluded, reinforcing China’s stance on promoting peace and a political solution to the conflict.
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.