China does not want Russia to be defeated in the war against Ukraine — not only out of concern over growing U.S. pressure on Beijing, but primarily due to fears about losing control over Russia’s nuclear arsenal and the potential global threats that could result.
That’s according to Wang Yiwei, Director of the Institute of International Affairs at Renmin University of China, in a comment to Ukrinform regarding a recent statement by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who said that Beijing does not want Russia to lose the war.
“China’s main concern in the Russia–Ukraine conflict is to prevent the use of nuclear weapons. Chinese leaders have repeatedly warned against not only the use of nuclear arms, but even nuclear threats,” Wang said answering Ukrinform’s Beijing correspondent question.
Addressing whether China wants Russia to keep the Ukrainian territories it currently occupies, Wang expressed doubt: “I don’t think so. China has consistently declared its support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and does not recognize the annexation of Crimea or the Russian-controlled Ukrainian regions as part of the Russian Federation.”
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to elaborate on the foreign minister’s earlier comment.
“China is not a party to the Ukraine issue. Our position on the ‘Ukraine crisis’ [China’s term for Russia’s war] is objective and consistent: negotiations, a ceasefire, and peace,” said ministry spokesperson Mao Ning during a press briefing.
She added that the conflict does not serve anyone’s interests and that China supports a political resolution “as soon as possible” and is ready to work with the international community to play a constructive role in achieving that goal.
As Ukrinform previously reported, the South China Morning Post cited sources saying that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU High Representative Kaja Kallas that Beijing does not want Russia to be defeated in Ukraine. One of the reasons is the fear that a Russian defeat would cause the United States to shift all its strategic focus toward confronting China.
Source: Beijing fears Russia's defeat due to nuclear arsenal risks – Chinese expert
