Beijing has urged Kiev not to make unfounded claims about Chinese soldiers allegedly fighting for Russia in Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday.

On Tuesday, Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the Ukrainian armed forces captured two Chinese nationals.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, said the foreign ministry summoned China’s charge d’affaires to discuss the alleged involvement of Chinese nationals in the Ukrainian conflict.

“The Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party’s military operations. We call on the relevant party to be right and sober about China’s role rather than make irresponsible remarks,’’ Mr Jian told a briefing.

“Beijing is neither an initiator of the Ukraine conflict nor on its side, the spokesperson said, adding that China is a firm supporter of peaceful settlement of the conflict.”

On Wednesday, Mr Jian called Kiev’s statements “groundless’’ and said that Beijing’s stance on the conflict is clear and has been widely recognised.

He added that Ukraine had to properly contemplate China’s contribution and constructive role in promoting a political settlement to the conflict.

(RIA/NAN)