China affirms its support for Russia in maintaining national stability.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry stated on June 25th its support for Russia in maintaining national stability in relation to the events involving the Wagner private military corporation.
The statement was made by a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the evening of June 25th. According to information on the ministry's official website, the spokesperson affirmed that the Wagner Group's violent incident "is an internal matter of Russia. As a friendly neighboring country and a comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era, China supports Russia in maintaining national stability and achieving prosperous development."
On the same day, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs also issued a press release regarding the meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang and the consultations between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu and Russian Vice Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko in Beijing.
According to information from the Chinese side, at the meeting with Foreign Minister Qin Gang, the two sides exchanged views on bilateral relations as well as international and regional issues of mutual concern. Meanwhile, at the consultation between the two Vice Ministers, Mr. Ma Zhaoxu emphasized that, "given the complex and tense international situation," both sides need to "exchange information promptly, ensure that bilateral relations progress steadily and further, and protect the common interests of both sides," under the guidance of the important consensus reached between the two heads of state. The two sides also discussed the Ukrainian crisis.
The visit of a high-ranking Russian diplomat to Beijing comes shortly after the violence perpetrated by the Wagner private military corporation, and this is Beijing's first reaction to the event.
