BEIJING — On Sunday, August 24, 2025, China’s Foreign Ministry announced it has no intention of deploying peacekeepers to Ukraine, dampening speculation about its role in the ongoing conflict. The statement, reported by Reuters, comes as international efforts intensify to broker peace in the Russia-Ukraine war, now in its fourth year following Moscow’s 2022 invasion.
During a press briefing in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian clarified China’s position, stating, “There is no plan to send peacekeepers to Ukraine.” The remarks follow recent talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, as well as Trump’s invitation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for discussions in Washington. China’s decision underscores its preference for neutrality in the conflict, despite its strategic partnership with Russia.
Lin emphasized China’s focus on “diplomatic solutions” to support peace, pointing to its role in facilitating talks rather than military involvement. Analysts suggest Beijing is wary of entanglement in a conflict that could strain its global relations, especially with Western nations. “China wants to avoid any direct intervention that could be seen as taking sides,” a Beijing-based policy expert told Reuters.
Key aspects of China’s stance include:
- Continued advocacy for ceasefire talks without troop deployment.
- Economic support for reconstruction, with $500 million pledged for Ukraine’s infrastructure.
- Rejection of Western sanctions on Russia, maintaining trade ties.
The announcement follows Zelenskyy’s call for broader international involvement, including potential peacekeeping forces, to secure any ceasefire agreement. China’s refusal may complicate efforts to build a multinational coalition for post-conflict stabilization. Meanwhile, Beijing’s trade with Russia has grown by 15% since 2022, raising concerns among U.S. and European officials about its indirect support for Moscow. As peace talks progress, China’s hands-off approach signals a delicate balancing act in a volatile global landscape.
Source: Reuters
