A Chinese envoy warned on Friday that escalating arms supplies to the battlefield in Ukraine will only heighten hostilities and prolong the conflict.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on weapons transfers to Ukraine, Geng Shuang, China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, noted the Ukraine crisis continues to drag on with mounting civilian casualties--a situation that is deeply distressing and profoundly concerning.
As both sides move toward direct negotiations, Geng cautioned that the growing volume and lethality of weapons on the ground would only make a ceasefire more elusive.
"The continued increase in the number of weapons on the battlefield, along with their growing lethality and destructive power, will only intensify confrontation and prolong the conflict. This is not conducive to achieving a ceasefire and runs counter to the shared expectations of the international community," Geng told the Council.
"China calls on all parties concerned to foster a favorable atmosphere for peace talks, create the necessary conditions, and provide support. We urge the parties to the conflict to work together to de-escalate tensions and pursue a political resolution, rather than persisting with military confrontation and attacks," he said.
The Chinese envoy also dismissed allegations made by the U.S. representative, who accused China of supporting Russia's war effort, a claim Geng called "utterly unacceptable" and politically motivated.
"If I remember correctly, the last time the United States accused China on the same issue and in the same narrative at the Security Council was in January this year during the previous U.S. administration. Over the past more than four months, the Security Council reviewed the Ukraine issue many times, but the United States neither mentioned these situations nor showed any concern again. Why does it harp on the old tune today and start making groundless accusations against China again more than four months later? The U.S. behavior at the Security Council further demonstrates that its attacks on China are not based on facts, nor are they aimed at solving the problem. Instead, they are driven by its own political agenda—a blatant act of political manipulation," said Geng.
He reiterated that China has never provided lethal weapons to party to the conflict and has been strictly controlling dual-use items.
The United States, which bears significant responsibility for the outbreak and continuation of this war, should focus on diplomatic efforts to bring about peace, rather than engaging in "pointless blame games," Geng said.
Increasing arms flow to Ukraine battlefield only prolongs conflict: Chinese envoy
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
