During a UN Security Council meeting, Sun Lei, China's Deputy Permanent Representative to the organization, issued a public call to the parties in the conflict in Ukraine. Beijing insists that Kyiv and Moscow must immediately return to the negotiating table to find ways for a peaceful settlement.

Conditions for Peace According to Beijing

The Chinese diplomat clearly outlined the position of the PRC leadership: President Xi Jinping's team believes that the only path to negotiations is the immediate cessation of hostilities. Sun Lei emphasized that the search for a compromise must begin without delay, and the Ukrainian and Russian sides must demonstrate the necessary political will for this.

In his statement, the diplomat also touched upon the humanitarian aspect of the conflict. He assured the international community that the suffering of the civilian population is indeed a concern for Beijing, which became an unexpected emphasis in his speech.

The Paradox of Chinese Neutrality

Despite loud calls for peace, China's official position remains contradictory. Beijing still refuses to recognize itself as an ally of Russia in the war against Ukraine, continuing to simulate neutrality. However, the reality looks different.

Western governments, think tanks, and intelligence agencies are recording significant indirect support that Moscow is receiving from the PRC. This assistance is comprehensive in nature and includes economic, financial, and diplomatic tools.

Dual-Use Goods

Particular attention of experts is drawn to the flow of dual-use goods regularly arriving from China to the Russian Federation. This list includes:

  • Microelectronics;
  • Industrial machine tools;
  • Optical equipment;
  • Unmanned aerial vehicles and their components;
  • Communication equipment.

The aggressor country actively uses these resources to fuel its military-industrial complex (MIC).

International Tension

China's position is causing a sharp reaction in the West. Earlier, Beijing expressed indignation at new accusations by NATO, stating that the Alliance is intentionally provoking the PRC into conflict. Relations have also deteriorated between China and the European Union: President Xi Jinping's team expressed concern over new sanctions imposed due to support for Moscow.

The situation is exacerbated by facts of the secret transfer of Chinese combat engines to Russia, which confirms the deep integration of the two countries in the military sphere, despite the rhetoric of neutrality.