SCMP: Beijing Tells EU That Russia’s Defeat Is Unacceptable

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told the representatives of the European Union that Beijing could not allow Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine.

According to several sources familiar with the conversation, cited by the South China Morning Post, China fears that if Russia is defeated, the United States will fully focus its attention on Beijing.

This comment from Wang Yi was addressed to EU High Representative Kaja Kallas.

The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly states that the country is “not a party” to the war. Some European officials were surprised by the frankness of the Chinese diplomat.

However, according to sources, Wang Yi rejected accusations that China is providing financial or military support to Russia in the war, emphasizing that if Beijing were truly doing so, the conflict would have ended long ago.

One rendering of Wang Yi’s statement in Brussels is that the continuation of the war may align with China’s strategic interests, as it keeps the United States engaged in the Ukrainian issue.

Previously, EU High Representative Kaja Kallas urged China to refrain from acting as a “protector” of Russia.

“You cannot deepen cooperation with Europe while at the same time facilitating conflict on its soil. Beijing should use its influence to uphold international law,” Kallas said ahead of the talks.

Although China remains one of the European Union’s largest economic partners, Kaja Kallas acknowledged that relations are becoming increasingly strained.

The EU’s main concerns relate to Chinese companies’ involvement in supporting the Russian economy, as well as cyberattacks, interference in democratic processes within the EU, and unfair trade practices.

“Chinese companies have effectively become an economic pillar for Russia in continuing the war against Ukraine,” she emphasized.

As previously reported, Russian military forces have been equipped with the Chinese Silent Hunter laser air defense system to destroy Ukrainian drones.