During a July 2 discussion with EU foreign policy chief Kaya Kallas, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi reportedly stated Beijing opposes Russia's defeat in Ukraine, according to South China Morning Post (SCMP) sources.
Wang reportedly voiced concerns that a Russian loss could redirect full U.S. strategic focus toward China.
Kallas urged Beijing to halt "any material support for Russia's defense sector," which Wang denied, asserting that Chinese involvement would have already concluded the conflict.
The minister also cautioned against potential retaliatory actions if Chinese financial institutions face sanctions in the EU's proposed 18th sanctions package against Russia.
SCMP noted European officials found Wang's unusually candid remarks surprising.