China has strongly rejected accusations from the United States over its role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. During a United Nations Security Council meeting on Ukraine, the U.S. representative accused China of being “the most important supplier” of Russia’s war effort. The statement triggered a sharp response from China.
Geng Shuang, China’s deputy permanent representative to the UN, called these remarks false and unacceptable. He clarified that China did not start the Ukraine crisis and has never been a party to it. “China has never supplied lethal weapons to either side of the conflict and has strictly controlled the export of dual-use goods, including drones,” Geng stated.
In his response, he stressed that China’s trade with both Russia and Ukraine is normal and not in violation of any international law. “The parties to the conflict are not under Security Council sanctions. China has normal trade relations with Russia and Ukraine. By doing so, it does not violate international law or breach its international obligations. China’s legitimate rights and interests must not be infringed upon,” he said.
He then pointed out the contradiction in U.S. behavior. “In fact, till now, the United States has maintained its trade with Russia. If the United States is doing that itself, why doesn’t it allow others to do the same?” Geng questioned. He added, “Isn’t this ‘only allowing oneself to set fires while forbidding others from lighting lamps?’”
The statement, under the title Chinese envoy denies U.S. claims on Ukraine war, emphasized that while the U.S. expects China to help end the conflict, it also continues to smear and pressure Beijing. “The US cannot on the one hand ask China to play a constructive role in ending the war while on the other hand continuously smear and pressure China,” Geng said.
He urged the U.S. to stop playing the blame game and to focus on contributing positively to peace efforts. “To resolve the Ukraine crisis, what is needed is unity and cooperation, not division and confrontation,” he said.
Geng also expressed concern over the types of weapons being delivered to the battlefield. “The reckless supply of weapons to the battlefield will only intensify confrontation, prolong the conflict, cause risks of proliferation, and inflict further casualties and suffering on the people of both sides and the broader region,” he warned.
He called on both Russia and Ukraine to prioritize de-escalation. “They should maintain the momentum of talks, continue to build consensus and ultimately reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement,” he said.
Since the start of the war, China has consistently advocated for peaceful dialogue. According to Geng, China will keep working with the international community to help find a political solution. As the Chinese envoy denies U.S. claims on Ukraine war, China continues to position itself as a neutral voice calling for diplomacy over conflict.
Related Posts
