China Responds to Claims Its Citizens Were Captured Fighting for Russia in Ukraine…
Beijing has formally responded to Ukrainian reports that two Chinese nationals were captured by Ukrainian forces while allegedly fighting alongside Russian troops in eastern Ukraine. On April 9, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that China is working to verify the claims in cooperation with Ukrainian authorities.
“The Chinese government has always advised its citizens to stay away from conflict zones and refrain from participating in armed hostilities,” Lin said during a press briefing in Beijing.
At this stage, Lin was unable to confirm whether any formal diplomatic communication between China and Ukraine had taken place regarding the alleged detentions. “I have no information on whether the two sides have had direct contact over this matter,” he noted.
The Chinese government called the accusations “entirely groundless” and urged the international community to “objectively assess China’s constructive role in promoting peace and stability.” Lin reiterated that Beijing continues to maintain a neutral, “objective and fair” position on the war in Ukraine, advocating for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
The controversy began after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on April 8 that two Chinese nationals had been taken prisoner during combat operations in the Donetsk region. Zelensky claimed that six Chinese citizens had been involved in the battle on Russia’s side. He drew comparisons between China’s actions and those of Iran and North Korea, both of which have been accused of supporting Russia militarily.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs responded with a sharp rebuke. Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha summoned China’s chargé d’affaires in Kyiv to demand clarification. “The involvement of Chinese nationals in an invading army undermines China’s stated neutrality and raises questions about its credibility as a permanent member of the UN Security Council,” Sybiha said.
In response, Lin Jian firmly dismissed the criticism. “Such accusations have no basis. China’s position on the Ukrainian crisis is clear and widely respected by the international community,” he said.
The incident has raised tensions between Ukraine and China and could further complicate Beijing’s efforts to maintain a diplomatic balancing act in the face of growing scrutiny over its role in the global response to Russia’s war.
