The Ukrainian president says the two soldiers were captured while fighting in the Donetsk region.

Ukrainian forces have captured two Chinese nationals who were fighting for the Russian army in eastern Ukraine’s Donetsk region, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.

The Ukrainian president said intelligence suggested the number of Chinese soldiers in Russia’s army is “much higher than two”.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said that Chinese troops fighting on Ukrainian territory “puts into question China’s declared stance for peace” and added that their envoy in Kyiv has been summoned for an explanation.

It marks the first official allegation that China is supplying Russia with manpower for its war in Ukraine. There has been no immediate response to the claims from Moscow or Beijing.

[…]

  • Pirata@lemm.eeEnglish
    1119·
    7 days ago

    I understand, but I mean, because two Chinese soldiers were found, is this somehow a declaration of war?

    People can volunteer for war from any nationality and to assume anything based on this is pretty disrespectful considering China has been quite clear on their stance on this matter.

    We might be needing China more than ever, too, so I think it’s a mistake to antagonise them without a cause.

    • GeeDubHayduke@lemmy.dbzer0.comEnglish
      113·
      6 days ago

      I’m sorry, where were these people captured? In China? No? They were captured in Ukraine. How is that “antagonizing China?” Sounds a lot like something an apologist would imply.

      China has been quite clear on their stance on this matter.

      And these fighters call those claims into question. Do you need a fucking puppet show?!

      • Pirata@lemm.eeEnglish
        33·
        6 days ago

        I’m sorry, where were these people captured? In China? No? They were captured in Ukraine

        Do you know how many European citizens are currently fighting in Ukraine? I suppose in your mind we are already at war with Russia, Article 5 has been triggered and all. Right?

        And these fighters call those claims into question. Do you need a fucking puppet show?!

        Yes, I do. Because these two events don’t connect, unless you just want to hate on China.

        No comment on that “apologist” retort. I know some of you guys like to pretend that Chinese people are part of some hivemind and have no autonomy from their government whatsoever, but that’s just straight up racism from your part. There really is no other word for it.

    • federal reverse@feddit.orgMEnglish
      71·
      6 days ago

      We might be needing China more than ever, too, so I think it’s a mistake to antagonise them without a cause.

      Countless Western politicians went to China and told leadership that human rights are important, minorities not eradicated, etc. Chinese leadership doesn’t really care, as long as Europe/the US remain places where Chinese exports can go.

      While we do need China, it would be a massive mistake to blindly trust that Chinese products won’t betray us in the end. They are bound to eventually use the industrial monopolies they are building up against e.g. EU interests.

      • Pirata@lemm.eeEnglish
        4·
        6 days ago

        I agree with you, and I’m not arguing to trust them blindly. What I am against is accusing them without evidence, which is what is happening here.

        I am arguing for Trust, but Verify. China is useful right now as we slowly veer away from US services.