Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told EU leaders that Beijing fears a Russian defeat in Ukraine could lead the US to shift its full focus toward confronting China. The remarks, made during talks with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, surprised Brussels officials, Firstpost reported.

Wang denied claims that China is arming Russia, saying if Beijing were providing real support, the war would be over. The Chinese foreign ministry declined to clarify his comments.

Ukraine's President Zelensky has accused China of supporting Russia while cutting off drone sales to Ukraine. Meanwhile, US military aid to Ukraine continues to decline with critical arms shipments halted on July 1.

China-Russia ties are strengthening ahead of a planned meeting between Xi and Putin in September, according to Firstpost.