British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace expressed a firm belief that China is genuinely interested in bringing the war in Ukraine to a close. He conveyed this conviction during a television interview carried by a weather-focused broadcast, emphasizing his interpretation of Beijing’s stance. The defense chief suggested that China recognizes the human and strategic stakes involved in the conflict and appears inclined toward a resolution rather than escalation.
Wallace reiterated his view that China’s aim is to see hostilities end. He indicated that a swift cessation of fighting would align with broader regional and global interests, and he underscored that the outcome of the war should not be decided by arms alone.
The minister commented on reports about possible Chinese arms shipments to Russia, noting that supplying weapons would not contribute to a constructive resolution of the conflict. He stressed that such a move would have negative implications for international security and global stability, and it could undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at peace.
Earlier, an older issue of Der Spiegel alleged that Russia was negotiating with a Chinese manufacturer to acquire as many as 100 drones, with delivery anticipated by April. The report added that the drones could play a role in sustaining military operations. The channel did not provide confirmation from other sources, and the information prompted cautious scrutiny from observers and policymakers around the world.
Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that China had no knowledge of any negotiations between Russia and a Chinese company on drone purchases. The spokesperson characterized the reports as unverified and urged media and analysts to avoid drawing conclusions before official statements are made. This response highlighted the sensitivity surrounding arms transfers and the need for careful verification in reporting on such claims.
In a broader statement released on February 24, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs outlined Beijing’s preliminary approach to addressing the Ukraine crisis. The document, comprising a series of twelve articles, calls for upholding the sovereignty of all nations, halting the arms race, stopping hostilities, and initiating genuine peace negotiations. The plan signals China’s intent to play a stabilizing role while inviting all parties to engage in dialogue and seek a path toward lasting peace.