This week, China's top diplomat is scheduled to meet with high-ranking Russian officials, perhaps including Russian President Vladimir Putin, only days after the Biden administration expressed concern that China may be planning to provide weapons to Moscow for use against Ukraine.

Wang Yi is the head of China's Office of Foreign Affairs, and he recently met with the foreign minister of Ukraine at the Munich Security Conference. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told Russia's Tass news agency that a meeting with Vladimir Putin might occur this week.

Russia-China Ties

Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Sunday that the US had evidence indicating that China may be planning to supply Russia weaponry, a move that would place China in direct opposition to the US policy of assisting Ukraine in defending itself against Russia's invasion.

This comment enraged China, which asserted that only the United States had "poured weaponry onto the battlefield." As per Fox News, China did not rule out the prospect of delivering weaponry to Russia but emphasized its desire for a peaceful resolution.

Wang Wenbin, a spokeswoman for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated, "China will remain steadfast on the side of peace and negotiation and play a helpful role in defusing the situation."

The official declined to disclose what Wang will talk about with Russia this week but stated that China's objective is to prevent a nuclear war and that a paper describing a plan to de-escalate the crisis would be released shortly.

Per Reuters, China views Russia as an ally, counterbalancing US global influence, and has refrained from denouncing Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24 despite its repeated calls for peace.

At a meeting with Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto, Wang stated in a Facebook video that the globe was plagued by instability and violence. Despite its membership in both organizations, Hungary has maintained stronger connections to Moscow than other countries of NATO and the European Union.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, a nationalist reelected for a fourth consecutive term in 2022, said on Saturday that Hungary's membership in NATO was "essential" but stated that his government would not deploy armaments to Ukraine or destroy trade ties with Moscow.

Orban, who has tried to strengthen commercial relations with China, welcomed Wang at a private dinner on Sunday. Wang emphasized Beijing's dedication to stronger economic ties, especially through the vast Belt and Road Initiative.

Concerns have been raised that China is strengthening its ties with Russia despite the war. However, Wang claimed Beijing played a positive role and would promote discussion and possible peace negotiations.

Blinken emphasized that US President Joe Biden had cautioned Chinese President Xi Jinping against transferring weaponry to Russia as far back as March, according to SCMP.

Since then, "China has been careful not to exceed that line, notably by delaying the sale of lethal weapons systems for use in the battlefield," according to a person within the government with knowledge of the situation.

Lindsey Graham, a leading Republican senator from the United States who also attended the Munich meeting, stated that it would be a grave error for China to give Russia weapons.

Graham, a well-informed foreign policy hawk, also stated that he had solid indicators that the United States would soon announce intentions to train Ukrainian fighter pilots, which would be another step in the West's constantly rising attempts to equip Ukraine.

Graham stated that he believes the United States should designate Russia as a state supporter of terrorism for its activities in Ukraine, which would result in penalties against China and any other country that supplies it with armaments.

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EU Urges to Provide More Weapons For Ukraine

Meanwhile, as the first anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine approaches, the head of EU foreign and security policy, Josep Borrell, pushes European nations to provide Ukraine with additional ammunition. At the same time, the top Chinese diplomat, Wang Yi, begs for peace before he visits Moscow.

According to Borrell, Ukraine must fight at the same level as Russian forces, which fire around 50,000 rounds each day, because Ukrainian forces "have artillery but lack ammunition."

The head of EU foreign policy also told reporters that the EU is anticipated to impose a fresh round of sanctions on Russia before February 24, the anniversary of the day Russian President Vladimir Putin started a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2014.

Similarly, Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas echoed similar sentiments over the Russian war, noting a plan allowing the European Union to purchase ammunition for the Ukrainian army on behalf of member states, Newsweek reported.

Recently, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg stated that Russia's fresh attack in eastern Ukraine began with soldiers in the Donbas area moving closer to capturing the vital town of Bakhmut.

Related Article: China May Supply Russia with Lethal Weapons 

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