China says it is ‘impartial’ on Ukraine and denies aiding Russia

Chinese foreign affairs official Yang Jiechi meets with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan in Rome (Xinhua via AP)

Chinese officials have said the government’s stance on the Ukraine conflict is “completely objective, impartial and constructive”, and repeated accusations that the US is spreading misinformation over reports Beijing has responded positively to a Russian request for military supplies.

Beijing has refused to criticise Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, or even to refer to the conflict as a “war”.