China promises not to sell weapons to Ukraine or Russia in this war
According to AP, he said this at a press conference with his German counterpart Annalena Baerbock, Ukrinform reports.
"Regarding the export of military items, China adopts a prudent and responsible attitude," Qin said at a news conference alongside visiting German counterpart Annalena Baerbock. "China will not provide weapons to relevant parties of the conflict, and manage and control the exports of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations," Qin said.
He became the first high-level Chinese official to make such an outspoken statement about selling weapons to Russia.
The minister also emphasized that the only way to resolve the "crisis in Ukraine" is through peaceful negotiations and reiterated China's readiness to help find a political solution to the conflict.
China has been declaring a position of neutrality in the Russia-Ukraine war, while supporting Russia politically, rhetorically and economically at a time when Western countries have imposed harsh sanctions and are trying to isolate Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.
The White House welcomed Qin's pledge that China would not supply arms to Russia, but expressed some concern.
“As we’ve said all along, we don’t believe it’s in China’s best interest to move in that direction. We will continue to monitor closely,” White House National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said in a statement.
As Ukrinform reported, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock is surprised that Beijing has not yet used its influence on Moscow to make Russian President Vladimir Putin end the war.
