China won’t sell weapons to Ukraine or Russia, foreign minister says

China will not sell weapons to either side in the war in Ukraine, the country’s foreign affairs minister said on Friday, responding to Western concerns that Beijing could provide military aid to Russia.

The Chinese government has remained neutral in the conflict, while supporting Russia politically, rhetorically and economically, while Western countries have imposed punitive sanctions and sought to isolate Moscow for attacking its neighbor in February 2022.

Qin Gang is the highest-level official from China who made explicit statements about arms sales to Russia. He added that China will also regulate the export of goods with civilian and military use.

“Regarding the export of military goods, China adopts a prudent and responsible attitude,” Qin said at a joint press conference with her German counterpart Annalena Baerbock.

“China will not supply weapons to parties related to the conflict, and will regulate and control the export of dual-use goods in accordance with laws and regulations,” he said.

The minister also expressed China’s willingness to help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

US concerns

In February, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had intelligence suggesting China was considering supplying arms and ammunition to Russia – and he warned that such involvement in the Kremlin’s war effort would be a “serious problem.”

In recent days, European leaders have issued the same warning, even when they visited China, and the head of the foreign policy of the European Union lashes out at Beijing, saying that the support of Russia during the invasion is a “blatant violation” of the commitments of the United Nations.

In his remarks, Baerbock also referred to China’s role as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, saying it has a special responsibility to help end the conflict.

“But I have to wonder why China’s position so far has not included a call for the aggressor, Russia, to end the war,” he said.

“We all know that President [Vladimir] Putin will have the opportunity to do so at any time, and the people of Ukraine want nothing more than to finally live in peace again.

A visit to Moscow last month by Chinese leader Xi Jinping underscored how Beijing is a senior partner in the relationship as it provides an economic and political lifeline for Russia.