Beijing responds as captured Chinese fighters in Ukraine plead for repatriation

China is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding two of its citizens who were captured by Ukrainian forces while reportedly fighting alongside Russian troops in the Donetsk region, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed during a press briefing.

The issue came to light after the two captured individuals publicly appealed to Beijing for assistance in securing their release and repatriation, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently revealed that Chinese nationals were among the foreign fighters supporting Russian operations, stating that Ukrainian intelligence is aware of more than 150 Chinese citizens participating in the conflict on Russia’s side.

In response to the developments, Lin reiterated Beijing’s official stance: “The position of the Chinese government is clear and unambiguous. We have repeatedly issued security warnings, demanding that Chinese citizens stay as far away as possible from areas of armed conflict, avoid participating in conflicts in any form, and especially avoid participating in military operations on any side.”

He added that the Chinese government is actively “verifying the situation and reviewing the personal conduct and consular affairs of Chinese citizens abroad in accordance with the law.”

The spokesperson also took the opportunity to reaffirm China’s long-held diplomatic approach to the ongoing war, referring to the conflict as a “crisis” and urging de-escalation.

“We have always been committed to promoting peace and negotiations and insist on ending the war and ceasing fire. We call on the relevant parties to properly understand China's objective and fair position and to refrain from political manipulation and noise,” Lin stated.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian media published footage and documents indicating that Chinese nationals had been integrated into Russian units engaged in combat. In a public statement, one of the captured Chinese fighters, Zhang Renbo, made a direct appeal to his government: “We hope that the Chinese government can help facilitate an exchange between Ukraine and Russia, and that we can return to China.”

As China continues to assess the situation, the presence of its citizens in the conflict zone raises sensitive diplomatic questions amid Beijing’s emphasis on neutrality and non-intervention.

By Vafa Guliyeva