On April 10, 2025, China firmly rejected claims made by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Chinese citizens are participating in combat alongside Russian forces in Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized its neutral stance in the conflict and cautioned against "irresponsible remarks" that could exacerbate tensions.
President Zelenskiy asserted that Ukrainian intelligence had identified 155 Chinese nationals fighting in Ukraine on Russia's behalf. This statement followed the capture of two Chinese individuals in eastern Ukraine, a region experiencing intensified military activity. Zelenskiy alleged that Russia has been recruiting Chinese citizens through social media platforms and suggested that Chinese authorities were aware of these activities. He further indicated that Ukraine's security services had compiled detailed information on these individuals, including their personal data and assigned Russian military units. Additionally, Zelenskiy mentioned that Ukraine was investigating whether these Chinese fighters were acting under direct instructions from Beijing.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian reiterated China's position as a non-participant in the Ukrainian conflict. Lin emphasized that China is committed to promoting a peaceful resolution and urged all parties to avoid unfounded accusations. He stated, "We urge the relevant parties concerned to correctly and soberly understand the role of China and to not release irresponsible remarks." Lin also highlighted that the Chinese government consistently advises its citizens to avoid conflict zones and strictly prohibits them from engaging in military actions abroad.
The Kremlin also dismissed Zelenskiy's claims, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov asserting that China maintains a balanced and neutral stance regarding the Ukraine conflict. Peskov described Zelenskiy's statements as erroneous and reaffirmed the strong strategic partnership between Russia and China.
These developments underscore the delicate diplomatic balance China seeks to maintain amid the ongoing conflict. While upholding a "no-limits" partnership with Russia, China has refrained from directly supporting Russia's military actions in Ukraine. The Chinese government continues to advocate for peaceful negotiations and has consistently called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations involved.
The situation remains fluid, and the international community is closely monitoring interactions between China, Ukraine, and Russia. China's emphasis on neutrality and its calls for caution in public statements reflect its broader strategy to avoid entanglement in the conflict while preserving its international relationships.