Beijing Pushes Back: “No Thanks” to Trump’s Pressure Over Ukraine

By: Akinde Oluwaseun

It was a busy week for diplomacy. Trump, on a video call with European leaders in Paris, laid out his demands. “Pressure China,” he said. “And Europe? Stop buying Russian oil funding the war.”

China isn’t having it. Not one bit.

The foreign ministry in Beijing fired back Friday. “Strongly oppose,” they declared. “Dragging China into this? Not happening.”

Here’s the thing: China’s never outright condemned Russia’s invasion. Never told Putin to pull troops. Ukraine’s allies aren’t fooled—they suspect Beijing’s quietly backing Moscow.

China insists it’s neutral. “We’re a peaceful party,” they say. Calls for an end to fighting. But here’s the twist: they also blame the West. “You’re prolonging the war by arming Ukraine,” their spokespeople argue.

The backstory? China and Russia declared a “no limits” partnership right before Putin invaded Ukraine in 2022. Since then? Ties have only gotten cozier.

And let’s not forget the optics. This week, Xi Jinping stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un at a massive military parade. Marking 80 years since WWII ended. The EU’s top diplomat wasn’t thrilled. “Not a great look,” they muttered.

Beijing shrugged. “We invited foreign guests to honor history with peace-loving nations,” they said.

But when a journalist pressed: “Is Russia ‘peace-loving’?” Twice, the spokesperson dodged. No yes. No no. Just silence.

So yeah. China’s playing its cards close. And Trump’s pressure? Falling on deaf ears.

Not today, not tomorrow.

Nope.