Russia cannot lose the war in Ukraine, Beijing warns - because US will then turn its full attention on China
Beijing fears Moscow 's potential defeat would allow Washington to turn its full attention to Asia, sparking fresh tensions ahead of the EU-China summit.
The superpower fears the United States would shift its military and political focus to Beijing in the event that Russia is defeated.
The blunt remarks came from China's foreign minister Wang Yi during a tense four-hour meeting with European Commission Vice President Kaja Kallas, according to sources cited by the South China Morning Post.
Mr Wang reportedly told Kallas that a Russian defeat would only embolden Washington to redirect its pressure campaign onto China, a scenario Beijing is desperate to avoid.
His unusually frank comments, delivered behind closed doors, stunned European officials as Chinese politicians and diplomats rarely speak so candidly.
Sources familiar with the exchange said Mr Wang gave Kallas a series of 'history lessons and lectures' on realpolitik, underlining Beijing's anxiety that the West will increasingly pivot toward the Indo-Pacific.
It comes after US president Donald Trump and his Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have both said countering China is a top strategic priority, with fresh emphasis on shoring up defences in the Pacific.
China has claimed that it is neither supporting Russia's efforts financially nor militarily
The foreign minister reiterated that China was not supporting Russia's effort both financially or militarily.
While officially denying it is arming Russia, Western intelligence suggests otherwise including reports that China supplied Moscow with advanced laser defence systems.
Wang's comments are the strongest indication yet that China sees the outcome of the conflict as vital to its own national interests.
Shortly after the meeting, Chinese state media moved to soften the message saying Beijing continues to 'advocate for peace talks' and supports efforts for a 'comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement.'
Just days ago, the US paused arms shipments to Ukraine, with the White House citing concerns over dwindling stockpiles.
In a major blow to Kyiv, Washington said it was putting 'America's interests first' and reassessing foreign military aid.
Yesterday, Russia launched its largest missile and drone attack of the war.
While Wang's meeting with Kallas was reportedly 'respectful,' tensions appear to be rising beneath the surface.
The two sides have also been clashing over rare earth exports and magnet restrictions, which have hit European industries hard.
Mr Wang attempted to ease the EU's concerns saying the row should never come between the two.
He also assured that the needs of European companies will be satisfied if it abides by the correct application process.
The minister claimed that it was 'certain forces' that are 'deliberately hyping this matter.'
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