‘We don’t sell weapons to conflict zones’: China makes pledge to Ukraine in Munich
- Foreign ministers Wang Yi and Dmytro Kuleba talk peace and trade on sidelines of annual security conference in the German city
- Nato chief Jens Stoltenberg takes aim at Beijing for not commenting on death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny
In talks with Dmytro Kuleba in Munich on Saturday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said China was committed to ensuring its relationship with Ukraine “developed normally”.
“Regardless of how the international situation changes, China hopes that China-Ukraine relations will develop normally and continue to benefit the two peoples,” Wang said, according to a Chinese statement released on Sunday.
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While portraying itself as neutral on the war in Ukraine, Beijing has faced increasing scrutiny from the West, particularly over its growing strategic partnership with Moscow and its reluctance to condemn Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The US has said that Beijing is considering providing arms and ammunition to Russia, a claim that Beijing has denied.
“[China] does not sell lethal weapons to conflict areas or parties to conflicts,” Wang said.
According to the Chinese statement, Kuleba said Ukraine was willing to promote bilateral ties with China and that his country would “strengthen contact” with China’s special envoy, Li Hui.
In a post on X, Kuleba said the pair discussed “bilateral relations, trade, and the need to restore a just and lasting peace in Ukraine”.