China tells Ukraine ‘not to sell lethal weapons to Russia’

China’s foreign minister has told his Ukrainian counterpart that Beijing will not sell lethal weapons to Russia to support its war against Ukraine, a statement said on Sunday.

On Saturday, Wang Yi reportedly told Dmytro Kuleba during a meeting on the sidelines of a major security conference in Munich that China “will not take advantage of the current situation and will not sell deadly weapons to conflict areas or parties to the conflict.” Weapons” a press release from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

China says it is a neutral party in the Ukraine conflict but has been criticized for refusing to condemn Moscow’s offensive.

China and Russia have stepped up economic cooperation and diplomatic contacts in recent years, and their strategic partnership has grown even closer since Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

Beijing faces accusations of supplying lethal weapons to Russia, a charge it has always denied.

According to a briefing from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang Yi told Kuleba: “No matter how the international situation changes, China hopes that China-Uzbekistan relations will develop normally and continue to benefit the two peoples.”

“I would like to thank Ukraine again for helping the Chinese people to evacuate safely during the emergency,” the statement said. “The Chinese people will never forget this.”

Wang Yi stressed that China adheres to the political solution of hot-spot issues and persists in promoting peace and talks.

“We will continue to play a constructive role in ending the war at an early date and reestablishing peace,” Wang told Kuleba.

“Even if there is only a glimmer of hope for peace, China will not give up its efforts.”

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from associated news agency – AFP)