China dismisses reports on ensuring aid to Russia, says it stands by Ukraine

Chinese officials have dismissed reports that Beijing has plans to provide military and other support to Russia during its war in Ukraine following the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month. 

Fan Xianrong, the Chinese ambassador to Ukraine, vowed Beijing’s support and praised the Ukrainian people in a meeting in Lviv on Monday, according to a press release from the regional government.

“China will always be a force of good for Ukraine both economically and politically,” Fan was quoted as saying to Maksym Kozytsky, the head of the regional administration in Lviv. “China will never attack Ukraine. We will help, especially economically.”