China Rejects Ukraine’s Accusations of Involvement in Weapons Production for Russia

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China has called Ukraine’s accusations of Chinese companies’ involvement in the production of military goods for Russia “groundless.”

Zhao Lijian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated this while commenting on the summons of the Chinese ambassador to Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by Global Times.

“We have clearly expressed China’s position on these matters. China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation,” the spokesperson stated.

On April 22, Ma Shengkun, the Ambassador of China to Ukraine, was invited to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

During the meeting, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Yevhen Perebyinis emphasized that the facts of Chinese citizens’ participation in combat operations against Ukraine on the side of Russia, as well as the involvement of Chinese companies in the production of military goods in Russia, “raise serious concerns and contradict the spirit of partnership between Ukraine and China.”

It is noted that Ukrainian intelligence services have provided evidence of such facts to the Chinese side.

In this regard, Perebyinis urged the Chinese side to take measures to stop supporting Russia in its aggression against Ukraine.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated during a briefing on April 17 that Ukraine had received information about China supplying weapons to Russia. This included, in particular, gunpowder and artillery.

“Today we have general information from the Security Service, from intelligence about gunpowder, artillery,” Zelenskyy shared, adding that more detailed information would be provided next week.

The following day, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China denied the accusations, stating that China has never provided lethal weapons to any side of the conflict.

“China’s position on the Ukrainian issue has always been clear,” spokesperson Lin Jian stated. “China actively supports a ceasefire and the end of the conflict, and encourages peace negotiations.”

Last year, Militarnyi reported on the use of 122mm artillery shells by Russian troops in the war against Ukraine, which were externally similar to Chinese analogs. It is unknown whether these munitions are being produced in Russia or are being supplied directly from China as assistance.