China won't sell weapons to Ukraine or Russia, foreign minister says

China won't sell weapons to either side in the war in Ukraine, the country's foreign affairs minister said Friday, responding to Western concerns that Beijing could provide military assistance to Russia.

The Chinese government has maintained that it is neutral in the conflict, while backing Russia politically, rhetorically and economically, at a time when Western nations have imposed punishing sanctions and sought to isolate Moscow for its invasion of its neighbour in February 2022.

Qin Gang is the highest-level Chinese official to make such an explicit statement about arms sales to Russia. He added that China would also regulate the export of items with dual civilian and military use.

"Regarding the export of military items, China adopts a prudent and responsible attitude," Qin said at a news conference alongside visiting German counterpart Annalena Baerbock.

"China will not provide weapons to relevant parties of the conflict, and manage and control the exports of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations," he said.

The minister also reiterated China's willingness to help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

U.S. concerns

In February, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. had intelligence suggesting China was considering providing arms and ammunition to Russia and he warned that such involvement in the Kremlin's war effort would be a "serious problem."

The White House on Friday welcomed Qin's pledge that China won't supply weapons to Russia, but expressed a measure of trepidation.

"As we've said all along, we don't believe it's in China's best interest to move in that direction. We will continue to monitor closely," White House National Security Council spokespersonAdrienne Watson said in a statement.

European leaders have issued similar warnings, even as they visited China, and the European Union's foreign policy chief lashed out at Beijing, saying its support of Russia during the invasion was "a blatant violation" of its United Nations commitments.

In her remarks, Baerbock also referred to China's role as a permanent member of the United NationsSecurity Council, saying it bore a special responsibility for helping end the conflict.

"But I have to wonder why the Chinese positioning so far does not include a call for the aggressor, Russia, to stop the war," she said.

"We all know that President [Vladimir]Putin would have the opportunity to do so at any time, and the people in Ukraine would like nothing more than to finally be able to live in peace again."

A visit to Moscow last month by Chinese leader Xi Jinping underscored how Beijing is increasingly becoming the senior partner in the relationship as it provides Russia with an economic lifeline and political cover.

China announced on Friday that Defence Minister Gen. Li Shangfu would visit Russia next week for meetings with counterpart Sergei Shoigu and other military officials.