Beijing maintains firm Ukraine stance as allies eye G20 for leverage

China remains steadfast in its stance on the Ukrainian crisis, according to a statement made during a briefing by Lin Jian, the official representative of the Chinese Foreign Ministry. 

Lin was responding to Bloomberg's article suggesting that Kyiv's allies plan to pressure China regarding Ukraine at the upcoming Group of Twenty (G20) summit, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“This is a hypothetical issue, and I will not comment on it,” Lin Jian remarked. “I can only say that China’s position on the Ukrainian issue has always been consistent and clear.” He further emphasized that “China’s constructive role is widely recognized by the international community.”

In detail, Bloomberg had reported that Ukraine’s allies intend to confront China at the G20 summit in Brazil, particularly concerning North Korea’s increasing support for Russia’s war effort. According to sources familiar with the matter, allies are deeply troubled by North Korea’s deployment of troops to fight in Ukraine. The sources believe that the growing collaboration between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un could disrupt the security equilibrium in the Indo-Pacific region. They also noted that the United States is likely to impose additional sanctions on North Korea before President Joe Biden's term ends.

A G7 nation’s assessment indicates that China is probably dissatisfied with the burgeoning ties between Russia and North Korea, according to the same sources. The summit in Rio will serve as a platform for pushing this issue with Beijing, though no further details were provided.

The sources revealed that North Korea has deployed over 10,000 troops to Russia, particularly to support operations in the Kursk region. In exchange, Russia is supplying funds and assisting North Korea in bolstering its military capabilities. Specifics about Moscow’s assistance to Pyongyang remain undisclosed. Furthermore, North Korea has shipped millions of artillery rounds and additional weaponry to Russia.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has emerged as a significant backer of both Putin and Kim, viewing them as strategic partners in challenging the US-led global order. However, his administration has publicly refrained from endorsing North Korea’s troop involvement in Russia, signalling potential dissatisfaction with the arrangement. Despite this, Beijing continues to support Russia and North Korea while attempting to present itself as neutral in the Ukraine conflict and aiming to enhance relations with the United States and its allies. This diplomatic balancing act is partly motivated by the need to sustain export-driven growth amid China’s economic challenges. Yet, the growing Putin-Kim alliance risks exacerbating economic strain on China and undermines Beijing’s argument against US military alliances in the Indo-Pacific.

The US State Department confirmed this week that North Korean forces are now participating in combat alongside Russian troops in the Kursk region. Russia is currently engaged in efforts to push Ukrainian forces out of this area following their unexpected gains earlier in the year.

The G20 discussions are also expected to address China's own support for Russia, focusing on the provision of critical components that aid in weapon and drone manufacturing. Beijing has consistently denied supplying lethal aid to Russia, insisting that it regulates the export of dual-use items.

By Tamilla Hasanova