In a recent high-level diplomatic conversation, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is said to have expressed to the European Union's top foreign affairs representative that Beijing does not desire for Russia to be defeated in Ukraine—citing concerns that such a defeat would enable the United States to exclusively pivot its strategic attention towards China.
This frank comment, according to the South China Morning Post, would seem to be at variance with China's publicly professed policy of neutrality in the present conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Wang denied reports that China was giving financial or military support to Moscow, sources close to the talks said. Wang purportedly said that if Beijing was actually supporting Russia's war efforts, the war would have already been over: a fact that highlights China's assertion that it remains not involved in any active supporting role.
The discussion occurred at the end of a fiery four-hour Brussels meeting between Wang and EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. The closed-door meeting was said to have included lengthy and at times strained discussions on a range of issues—which included cybersecurity, trade imbalances, Taiwan, scarce earth resources, and the Middle East situation.
Wang's off-the-record remarks intimated that Beijing would welcome a long war in Ukraine as strategically advantageous, as it occupies Washington's attention. This concurs with fears expressed by critics that China's geopolitical stakes in the war are much higher than its declared position as neutral, CNN stated.
In spite of the behind-the-scenes assurances reported, China reaffirmed its official stance in a standard press briefing conducted by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday. Spokeswoman Mao Ning reiterated the nation's continued backing for a diplomatic solution.
"China is not a party to the Ukraine affair," Mao told CNN. She added, "China's stance on the Ukraine crisis is objective and consistent, that is, negotiation, ceasefire and peace. An extended Ukraine crisis benefits nobody."
Mao further stated that Beijing is looking for a political solution at the earliest: "Together with the international community and in light of the will of the parties concerned, we will continue playing a constructive role towards this end."
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