Beijing has strongly refuted Ukraine’s recent claims that a significant number of Chinese nationals are fighting alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. A spokesperson for China’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday described the allegation as “completely unfounded.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Tuesday that the Ukrainian military had captured two Chinese individuals who were allegedly fighting with Russian troops in the eastern Donetsk region. He further claimed that intelligence suggests “significantly more” Chinese nationals may be present among Russian forces.
This marks the first time Ukraine has publicly alleged the involvement of Chinese fighters in the ongoing conflict, now entering its third year.
Responding to the claim, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China’s neutral stance, emphasizing that the country has consistently promoted a political resolution to the conflict. “The Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones, to refrain from participating in any armed conflict, and particularly to avoid involvement in the military operations of any party,” Lin stated during a regular press briefing.
His remarks suggested that if any Chinese nationals were found fighting alongside Russian troops, they were acting independently and without state sanction.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, China has extended diplomatic support to Moscow and maintained strong economic ties, particularly in the energy and consumer goods sectors. However, Beijing has repeatedly denied providing Russia with military personnel, weapons, or technical expertise.
China previously proposed a peace initiative aimed at resolving the conflict, though the plan was widely dismissed by international observers as vague and lacking concrete steps.
Similar concerns have arisen in the past, with both Ukraine and the United States accusing North Korea of deploying thousands of troops to assist Russia under a reported agreement between Pyongyang and the Kremlin.
Both Russian and Ukrainian forces have permitted the enlistment of foreign nationals in their military ranks.
Commenting on the latest development, U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said on Tuesday that the United States is “aware” of the reports regarding Chinese citizens fighting for Russia in Ukraine and described the situation as “deeply concerning.”
