China 'impartial' On Ukraine, Denies Aiding Russia

Beijing said on Tuesday its stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive”, and repeated assertions that the US is spreading misinformation over reports China had responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian’s comments came after US advisor Jake Sullivan and senior Chinese foreign policy advisor Yang Jiechi met in Rome on Monday.

Speaking to reporters at a daily briefing, Zhao said the “US has created and spread disinformation ... This is not only unprofessional, but also immoral and irresponsible.”

He added: “What the US should do is to deeply reflect on the role it has played in the development and evolving of the Ukraine crisis, and do something practical to ease the tension in Ukraine.”

China contends that Russia was provoked into launching its war on Ukraine by Nato's expansion and threats to its security.

Also on Tuesday, the European Union ambassador to China, Nicolas Chapuis, repeated calls for Beijing to support Ukraine and “help Europe to stop the war.”.

“There can be no so-called neutrality," he said.

China opposes sanctions that are battering the Russian economy.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin has denied reports that it requested Chinese military equipment for use in the war.

Zhao repeated assertions that China was “deeply grieved" by “the situation today," and said it was committed to promoting peace talks.

“China’s position and statement on the Ukraine issue is completely objective, impartial and constructive," Zhao said. “We have a clear goal, that is to promote the de-escalation of the situation and end the conflict as soon as possible."

Zhao also said a third batch of humanitarian aid sent by China for Ukraine arrived in Poland on Monday. (AP)