In a Surprising Turn of Events, Chinese Journalists Join Ukrainian Combat Ops in the Trenches

Chinese journalists from Phoenix TV have reported alongside the Ukrainian Armed Forces for the first time, participating in operations against Russian positions.

The shift is notable, as the network previously covered the war exclusively from the Russian side, with correspondents taking part in operations targeting Russian positions, according to Chinese network Pheonix TV, on March 10.

Lu Yuguang, a Phoenix TV correspondent, had been embedded with Russian troops in 2022. Reporting from Mariupol, where he declared, “I’m on the frontline in Mariupol,” before interviewing a Russian soldier who claimed he had been “fighting for eight years.” In another interview, Lu spoke with Russian troops in a military vehicle.

He filed reports from multiple cities under Russian attack, including Mariupol, where local officials said thousands had been killed. His recent collaboration with Ukrainian forces suggests a shift in Phoenix TV’s coverage of the war.

Earlier, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi reaffirmed China’s stance on the war against Ukraine, emphasizing its commitment to fostering conditions for a negotiated settlement.

Speaking at a press conference on March 7, Wang said Beijing remains “objective and impartial” and aims to “create conditions and reach a consensus for a peaceful resolution of the ‘Ukraine crisis.”