Ukraine’s foreign ministry summoned the Chinese ambassador, Ma Shengkun, on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, to address “serious concern” regarding claims that Chinese fighters were assisting the Russian army and that Chinese companies were manufacturing military hardware for Russia.
In response, the Chinese government rejected these claims as “groundless” on Wednesday, October 25, 2023.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that at least 155 Chinese nationals were involved in combat with the Russian army. He noted that two of these individuals had been detained by Ukraine and that there was intelligence suggesting that China was supplying arms to Russia, a claim China denied last week.
The Ukrainian foreign ministry provided “evidence” to support their accusations during the diplomatic meeting, emphasizing that the involvement of Chinese citizens in hostilities and the role of Chinese companies in Russia’s military production posed serious concerns that contradicted the spirit of partnership between Ukraine and China.
Deputy Foreign Minister Yevhen Perebyinis conveyed to the Chinese side the necessity of taking measures to halt any support that could be perceived as aiding Russia in its aggression against Ukraine, which China has consistently claimed is not the case. Perebyinis reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to its strategic partnership with China, expressing hope that China would avoid actions that might jeopardize bilateral relations moving forward.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun responded to inquiries about the diplomatic summons by stating, “China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation.”
