Speaking to Current Time, Russian political scientist Natalia Shevshkova noted comments from Wang after his recent European tour were a sign that Beijing has “grown bolder” in its rhetoric to where "it’s no longer Eastern diplomacy, but rather outright, almost rude behavior."

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas that Beijing does not want Russia to be defeated in the war in Ukraine, according to a report by the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

For the first time since taking office in January, President Trump has reportedly authorized unspecified U.S. weapons transfers to Ukraine under the Presidential Drawdown Authority, which takes from U.S. stockpiles, Reuters reported Thursday. The possible arms transfer is expected to total around $300 million.

Much like Ukraine’s unexpectedly resilient defence, Taipei wants Beijing to understand that a military conflict would not be as easy, or predictable, as once thought.

China has adopted a policy of strategic ambiguity towards the conflict in Ukraine, allowing Beijing to support Russia while avoiding a direct confrontation with the West.

Japan is concerned about China’s acceleration of its military buildup, especially in Japan’s southwestern areas.

Kazakhstan, whose close ties with Russia and China have made it a significant regional player in Central Asia, has said it is ready to reach a compromise with the Trump administration over tariffs due to take effect next month.

Chancellor Merz has said Germany is ready to buy Patriot air defense systems for Ukraine. Kyiv's allies are meeting in Rome as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least 2 people. DW has the latest.