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China Promises Investigation Into Actions of Captive POWs in Ukraine Under National Law
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![Photo of Vlad Litnarovych]( "Photo of Vlad Litnarovych")
The Chinese government has denied any official involvement in the presence of its citizens captured in the East of Ukraine while fighting on Russia’s side, saying it will assess their actions according to Chinese law once all circumstances have been verified. The statement came in response to a request from the Ukrainian news agency Ukrinform, published on April 15.
“The position of the Chinese government is very clear. We have issued numerous warnings and urged Chinese citizens to stay away from areas of armed conflict, to avoid participating in such conflicts in any form, and to steer clear of military operations on any side,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.
The response came after a group of Chinese nationals captured in the Donetsk region called on Beijing to repatriate them. Their appeal raised questions about the recruitment and deployment of foreign nationals in Russia’s war against Ukraine.
Lin confirmed that Chinese authorities are still verifying the identities and circumstances surrounding the detained individuals.
“The behavior of individual Chinese citizens abroad will be considered in accordance with current laws, and we will take the necessary consular and other appropriate actions,” he said.
When asked about China’s stance on Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine—referred to by Beijing as the “Ukraine crisis“—Lin reiterated China’s consistent call for peace talks.
“Our position on the ‘Ukraine crisis’ has always been consistent and clear. We promote peaceful negotiations to end the conflict,” Lin said.
He also warned against politicizing the situation.
“We urge all relevant parties to correctly understand China’s objective and fair position and to refrain from political manipulation or using this issue [of captured Chinese nationals] for self-promotion or publicity,” he added.
Earlier, Renbo said he was issued a bank card with 200,000 rubles, (approximately $2,200 at the time) but was unable to access the funds.
“I got a banking card on which I got 200,000 rubles, but I was not able to use that card,” Zhang said, speaking through an interpreter.
