The Chinese foreign minister said Beijing prefers a protracted war in Ukraine to prevent the US from focusing on China.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Beijing cannot accept a Russian defeat in the war in Ukraine, fearing it would allow the US to focus more on China. In a meeting with EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas, Wang emphasized China's preference for a protracted conflict, contrary to its official position of neutrality. Although China portrays itself as a mediator, relations with Russia have hardened and Beijing has been accused of providing indirect support to Moscow.