Internal Affair': China Backs Russia, Supports Wagner Rebellion

China Describes Russian Mercenary Rebellion as Internal Affair

China Expresses Support for Russia’s Stability

China has called the recent rebellion by Russian mercenaries as an “internal affair," adding its support for Russia in preserving national stability. A foreign ministry spokesperson of China affirmed that the country will stand behind its friendly neighbor, and strategic partner of coordination for the new era in this challenging situation. Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang, and Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu met with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko separately on Sunday, praising the current state of Russia-China relations. Together they also discussed the possibilities of further strengthening policy coordination and cooperation between Moscow and Beijing at multilateral platforms, and consistently strengthening their relations.  

Wagner Accuses Russia’s Military

Yevgeny Prigozhin, the leader of Russia’s paramilitary organization Wagner Group, recently accused the country’s defense ministry of intentionally bombing Wagner fighters and claimed the lies on which Moscow's justification for invading Ukraine is based. His group of troops reportedly took over Rostov-on-Don and advanced 200 kilometers from Moscow. Shortly after, Prigozhin declared that his fighters would n o longer pursue their advance towards the Russian capital, an announcement that came after Belarus proposed that Prigozhin accepts a halt to the operation.  

China Supports Russia Without Direct Military Involvement

China’s expression of support for Russia's national stability provides an indication that it does not provide direct military support to Russia. According to Ian Bremmer of Eurasia Group, the recent limited coverage in the Chinese state media and the country’s claims that it is Russia’s internal affair suggest China’s non-involvement military involvement. Although China will buy many Russian commodities and provide low-level chips to the country, it is not directly providing military support.