In a startling revelation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has publicly criticized China, accusing the nation of aiding Russia in derailing a crucial peace summit in Switzerland, reports POLITICO Magazine. Zelenskyy’s remarks, delivered during a press conference at the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, shed light on the complexities of global diplomacy amidst the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Zelenskyy minced no words as he highlighted Russia’s alleged exploitation of Chinese influence to disrupt peace negotiations. “Russia, using Chinese influence on the region, using Chinese diplomats also, does everything to disrupt the peace summit,” he asserted, revealing Ukraine’s mounting frustration with what it perceives as China’s complicity in Moscow’s aggression.
This rare public rebuke of China marks a significant departure from Ukraine’s previous diplomatic approach, which had been cautiously aimed at fostering closer ties with Beijing while attempting to lessen its alliance with Russia. Zelenskyy’s remarks underscored Ukraine’s disappointment with China’s purported involvement in Moscow’s military endeavors, despite assurances from Chinese President Xi Jinping that Beijing would refrain from supporting Russia militarily.
“We do not expect military support from China. We have never asked them … But we do not expect China to provide defense support to Russia,” Zelenskyy emphasized, reflecting on past assurances from President Xi. However, he lamented that intelligence suggests otherwise, alleging that elements of Russian weaponry are finding their way into the conflict through China.
China’s Defense Minister Dong Jun swiftly refuted these claims, asserting that China has maintained strict control over exports of dual-use goods and has refrained from providing weapons to either side in the conflict. “We stand firmly on the side of peace and dialogue,” Dong affirmed during his address at the Shangri-La summit.
Zelenskyy’s accusations against China come amidst growing international scrutiny of China’s stance on the conflict. Kurt Campbell, a senior figure in the U.S. State Department, recently expressed concerns over China’s apparent support for Russia, suggesting that China has been keen to bolster Moscow’s position while downplaying its public endorsement.
Moreover, Zelenskyy lamented Ukraine’s struggles to engage with Chinese officials, including President Xi, indicating a reluctance on China’s part to establish substantial ties with Ukraine.
“Many times we have wanted to meet Chinese representatives,” Zelenskyy disclosed. “Unfortunately Ukraine does not have any powerful connections with China because China does not want it.”
The escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia, exacerbated by allegations of Chinese involvement, underscore the intricate geopolitical dynamics at play in the region. As Ukraine continues to grapple with the ramifications of Russia’s aggression, its strained relations with China further complicate efforts to achieve a lasting peace settlement.
