Chinese Foreign Ministry makes another statement on the war in Ukraine

China rejects accusations of supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine, insists on the legality of trade with Russia and claims that the country's government ensures effective control over the export of military and dual-use goods. This was stated by the speaker of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, Wang Wenbin, on 23 April, Ukrinform reported.

Commenting on the US statements about Beijing's large-scale assistance to Moscow with the restoration of its military-industrial complex, Wang stressed that China's position on the Ukrainian issue is "fair and objective" and his country is "actively working" on negotiations on peace and political settlement.

The Chinese government properly supervises the export of dual-use goods in accordance with existing laws and regulations," the diplomat said.

He noted that China is neither the creator of the "Ukrainian crisis" nor a party to it and is not seeking selfish gain and "will definitely not agree to be a scapegoat."

Let me emphasise once again that China's right to normal trade and economic exchange with Russia and other countries of the world on the basis of equality and mutual benefit should not be obstructed or violated," Wang Wenbin said.

According to the representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the only correct way to resolve the "conflict" is to "take into account the legitimate security interests of all parties" and to create a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture through dialogue and negotiations.

Recall that US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said on 19 April, after a meeting of G7 foreign ministers, that China is now the main supplier of critical components for Russian weapons and thus participates in Russia's war against Ukraine.

When it comes to Russia's defence industrial base, China is now its main supplier. We see China sharing machine tools, semiconductors and other dual-use goods that help Russia rebuild its defence industrial base. China cannot have both. It can't afford it. You want to have positive, friendly relations with countries in Europe, and at the same time you're fuelling the greatest threat to European security since the end of the Cold War,'' Blinken said.

The US Secretary of State's concerns were echoed by German Foreign Minister Annalena Berbock.

Economic ties between China and Russia are growing stronger in the defence sector. In particular, after the outbreak of the war, Beijing began to send Moscow more military goods.

According to the Financial Times, the US sent a message to China warning of "significant consequences" if Chinese companies continue to support Russia in the war against Ukraine.

Earlier, on 4 April, a representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry commenting on the telephone conversation between the leaders of China and the USA said that there should be neither winners nor losers in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Wang Wenbin said that China's position on the "Ukrainian crisis" (in China this is how the war in Ukraine is called - ed.) is consistent, clear and transparent.

He noted that there was a risk of further aggravation of the "crisis" and therefore efforts should be made to de-escalate and end the "conflict" through negotiations rather than war.

In early March, Li Hui, the Chinese government's special representative for Eurasian affairs, held "frank and friendly" talks with Ukrainian officials in Kiev. The talks were attended by Chinese Ambassador to Ukraine Fang Xianrong, Ukrainian Ambassador to China Pavlo Ryabikin, Deputy Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, and other officials.

China supports holding an international peace conference that will be recognised by both Russia and Ukraine in due time. This was stated by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Thursday, 7 March, at a press conference on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People's Congress.

President Volodymyr Zelenski held several meetings on Tuesday, 23 April, to organise and host a peace summit to be held in Switzerland in June. Volodymyr Zelenski said in his evening video message.

It is important that as many countries as possible to participate. The Peace Summit can and must prove that not one person alone will determine how to live in the world, not someone's stupid power will determine it, but the world majority - together, on the basis of international law, on the basis of the UN Charter, on the basis of our Formula for Peace, which returns the effectiveness of international law, - said Zelensky.

At the same time, the President thanked every leader, all political and public figures who help Ukraine with the organisation of the first summit.

He said that the previous day the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had discussed with the Chinese ambassador the prospects of participation in the peace summit.

As is known, the peace summit will be held on 15-16 June in Switzerland. The Ukrainian side expects 80-100 countries to take part in this event.