Wagner incident a matter for Russia, Beijing says
The Foreign Ministry in Beijing has said it supports strategic partner Russia in maintaining national stability, but stressed that disputes between Moscow and the Wagner Group are an internal affair for the country. In a brief statement, the ministry’s spokesperson addressed a question on China’s stance following the withdrawal of leader Yevgeny Prigozhin and all Wagner forces from Russia’s southern military command centre, and President Vladimir Putin’s assurance that Prigozhin can go to Belarus and face no criminal charges. “This is Russia’s internal affair,” the spokesperson said. “As Russia’s friendly neighbour and comprehensive strategic partner of coordination for the new era, China supports Russia in maintaining national stability and achieving development and prosperity.” Earlier, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko held talks in Beijing with Foreign Minister Qin Gang. The Foreign Ministry said the two discussed Sino-Russian relations as well as "international and regional issues of common concern".