China’s big fear: US may target it if Russia loses Ukraine war

Beijing fears that if Russia loses in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the US would shift its entire focus to tackling China. The candid admission came from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi while talking to European leaders, something that really surprised officials in Brussels, reported South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Wang’s comments came during talks with EU’s de facto foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas. When Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning was asked about Wang’s comments, she simply evaded the question.

During a four-hour debate covering a broad spectrum of issues, Wang Yi reportedly dismissed claims that China is materially fuelling Russia’s war effort.

He argued that if Beijing were truly providing such support, the conflict would have ended by now, according to sources cited by the Post.

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Some interpret Wang’s Brussels remarks as suggesting that, while China didn’t start the war, its continuation could align with Beijing’s strategic interests by keeping Washington preoccupied with Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly accused China of arming Russia, claiming on May 29 that Beijing halted drone sales to Ukraine and Western nations while continuing to supply Moscow.

Wang’s rebuttal comes at a time when US support for Kyiv, its primary military backer, is faltering. On July 1, the US Defence Department halted deliveries of critical weapons to Ukraine, including Patriot air defence missiles and precision-guided munitions.

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Meanwhile, ties between Moscow and Beijing are deepening. Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in China in September for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, signalling a strengthening of their strategic partnership.

Earlier on Wednesday, Wang Yi held meetings with European Council President Antonio Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. According to EU sources, the two presidents were fully aligned with each other and Kallas on all key issues discussed.