Beijing/Brussels
In an unprecedented and striking intervention, China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi told European Union’s top diplomat in an exclusive and in-person meeting in Brussels that Beijing cannot afford for Russia to lose the war in Ukraine, according to officials familiar with it. Such a scenario could allow Washington to shift full focus away from them towards Beijing; something Beijing is determined not to see happen. * Facebook.com; SCMP.com | IndiaTimes (Twitter and Facebook +10)
Wang made the admission, which runs counter to China’s longstanding public posture of neutrality. Wang reiterated the official narrative and claimed that had Beijing materially supported Russia, then “the conflict would have ended long ago”. [sources for translation: timesofindia.indiatimes.com, scmp and nypost]
China’s comment reportedly sent shockwaves through European officials and highlighted its realpolitik approach: keeping conflict going limits America’s capacity to project power in Asia.
Kaja Kallas, EU diplomatic chief, interrogated Wang on both Ukraine war issues as well as restrictions on rare earth exports and suspected material support to Moscow’s military operations; among these issues were China’s restrictions on rare earth exports as well as restrictions limiting rare earth exports (scmp.com +12 and timesofindia.indiatimes.com with +12 coverage); Reuter’s +3 coverage, NYPost +3, etc
Wang strongly supported China’s position, emphasizing neutrality while rejecting formal military assistance requests from any country.
EU officials contend that China has played an active role at both corporate and national levels. According to reports, Chinese firms have provided dual-use components, such as drone technology, to Russia that bolster its warfighting capacity. This view was reinforced when in early May a European Commission spokesperson identified China as “key enabler” of Russia’s war against Ukraine (omni.se/r/1399176867898429657)
Chinese media and diplomats continue to emphasize Beijing’s dedication to diplomacy while publicly reinforcing support for peace under their 12-point plan, which highlights sovereignty, ceasefire, humanitarian relief, and rejection of sanctions – although critics point out its silence regarding Russian troop withdrawals.
Analysts note that China’s candid remarks during its meeting with the EU indicate three strategic calculations. They include maintaining a multipolar global order, keeping Washington engaged with Europe, and preventing an abrupt shift of U.S. focus toward Asia. According to observers, any decisive Russian defeat could embolden NATO to pivot further east, which in turn accelerate U.S. involvement in Indo-Pacific affairs – something China actively works against.
Beijing is using subdued language ahead of its high-stakes summit with the EU on July 24-25, in which agenda items include Ukraine as well as cooperation or conflict over rare earths, Taiwan’s status, cyber security measures and Middle East peace efforts, according to Reuter’s.com.
Ukraine continues its push for international unity. Kyiv contends that China’s continued financial support of Moscow prolongs the conflict and complicates peace efforts; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Western leaders have repeatedly called upon Beijing to reconsider their stance, warning it could undermine China’s credibility on the world stage.
Conclusion Wong’s harsh statement to the EU that China “can’t accept Russia losing” marks an important moment in Chinese diplomacy, revealing its expectations of power balance as well as preference for conflict over resolution. With EU summit talks scheduled later this month and this issue lingering on, these clashes could signal deeper differences over global strategy.