China and the Russian invasion of Ukraine

Following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, China's position has been ambivalent. On one hand, it has blamed enlargement of NATO, which Russia has stated as a reason for starting the war. On the other hand, it has stressed respect for Ukraine's territorial integrity. China has not condemned the Russian invasion of Ukraine and has abstained during United Nations votes on the war in Ukraine.

Although the Government of China has objected to economic sanctions against Russia, its companies have largely complied with them. Drones made by Chinese manufacturers are used by both sides in the conflict. Some Chinese companies are under sanctions from the U.S. as sources of weaponry components and dual-use technology exported to Russia. China is also reported to supply Russia with geospatial intelligence, machine tools for tanks, and propellants for missiles. Chinese state media outlets and netizens have often taken pro-Russia stances and repeated Russian rhetoric, including disinformation.

In May 2022, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that "China has chosen the policy of staying away. At the moment, Ukraine is satisfied with this policy." In August 2022, Zelenskyy stated that China has the economic leverage to pressure Putin to end the war.

China has attempted to mediate between Russia and Ukraine but has faced criticism of its proposals.