China denies supplying lethal weapons to Russia after Zelenskyy accuses Beijing of aiding Moscow

China on Friday rejected Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy's claim that it is supplying lethal weapons to Russia in the ongoing Ukraine war.

Speaking to reporters, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said, “The Chinese side has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items.” He added that China’s position on the Ukraine issue remains “consistent and clear.”

Zelenskyy said on Thursday that Ukraine had obtained information that Chinese representatives were involved in weapons production on Russian territory. He said, “We have finally received information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation. We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on Russian territory.” He did not share further details but added that Kyiv is willing to discuss the matter in private.

Zelenskyy had also alleged last week that at least 155 Chinese nationals were working with Russian forces and claimed that two Chinese individuals had been captured in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

China has long positioned itself as a neutral party in the war, calling for dialogue and peace negotiations. In previous statements, Chinese officials, including foreign minister Wang Yi, have insisted that Beijing does not provide weapons to any side involved in the conflict.

While China claims it did not provided weapons or military personnel to either side, it has maintained strong ties with Moscow since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022. China has offered diplomatic support and economic trade — particularly in energy and consumer goods — but insists it has remained neutral.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy is pushing for stronger international pressure on Russia. His top advisers held talks in Paris with US and European officials as part of a broader diplomatic effort.