Beijing embarrassed as Ukraine parades captured Chinese soldiers, breaking international law
Kyiv: In a provocative move that has drawn international scrutiny, Ukraine has paraded two Chinese nationals captured while fighting alongside Russian forces in eastern Donetsk. The decision, reportedly approved by President Volodymyr Zelensky, was made in direct response to China’s denial that any of its citizens were involved in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The action marks a violation of international humanitarian law, which prohibits the public display and identification of prisoners of war (PoWs). Nevertheless, Kyiv opted to make the display public, citing the need to counter Beijing’s repeated denials.
Last week, President Zelensky stated that Ukraine had identified 155 Chinese nationals actively participating in combat on its territory. He accused Moscow of recruiting Chinese citizens and providing them with military training. The Ukrainian leader also alleged that two of these individuals were captured in eastern Donetsk, claims China had dismissed as baseless.
In response, China’s foreign ministry reiterated, “China is not the initiator of the Ukrainian crisis, nor is China a participating party.” It urged all parties to “correctly and soberly understand the role of China” and refrain from making “irresponsible remarks.”
The captured Chinese PoWs were presented before the press in full combat fatigues. Speaking through a translator, the men recounted their experiences and motivations. According to CNN, which attended the media briefing, one of the PoWs said he joined the war for financial reasons, lured by a Russian offer of 250,000 rubles (approximately $3,000) per month—more than twice what he earned in China.
The individual, who previously worked in medical rehabilitation, claimed he was reassigned to combat duties after undergoing military training in Moscow. Language barriers and lack of documentation in Mandarin complicated their experience, they said.
Ukraine also released copies of the prisoners’ passports and military documents to further verify their identities.
Ukrainian intelligence reportedly showed CNN a signed contract from another Chinese volunteer, not present at the press briefing, indicating formal enlistment in the Russian military. The contract included commitments to combat participation and support during martial law, emergencies, and anti-terrorism activities.
These revelations raise questions about the extent of Beijing’s knowledge or involvement. When asked, President Zelensky said, “I don't have an answer to this question yet. The Security Service of Ukraine will work on it.” However, he noted that Kyiv has “reason to believe that Beijing is aware of what is happening.”
Observers say the unusual move was aimed not only at shaming China but also at drawing attention from the United States. With the Trump administration focusing on economic rivalry with Beijing and U.S. aid to Ukraine declining, Kyiv may be seeking to rekindle Western interest by highlighting China’s indirect involvement in the war.
While Beijing maintains a neutral stance, it has continued to offer economic and diplomatic support to Moscow. The exposure of Chinese fighters in Ukraine has intensified scrutiny of its true position in the conflict.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) strongly discourages the exposure of PoWs to the media, viewing it as a serious violation of humanitarian norms. Legal experts warn that Ukraine’s actions may compromise its moral standing in the international arena.
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Sambhal mosque row: Allahabad HC junks Masjid committee plea against survey
Prayagraj/Sambhal (UP) (PTI): The Allahabad High Court on Monday dismissed a plea of the Masjid committee against the survey ordered by a Sambhal court in the Shahi Jama Masjid and Harihar Temple dispute.
The court said the order to appoint a court commissioner and the suit were maintainable.
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal had previously reserved its order on the matter after hearing counsel for the Masjid committee and plaintiff Hari Shanker Jain aside from the counsel for the Archeological Survey of India (ASI).
The Committee of Management, Shahi Jama Masjid, moved the high court challenging the suit and the Sambhal court order which directed the survey through an advocate commissioner.
Jain and seven others filed the suit before a civil judge senior division, Sambhal contending the Shahi Idgah Mosque was built after demolishing a temple at Sambhal.
The mosque, it claimed, was built by Mughal emperor Babur in 1526 after demolishing the Harihar Mandir in Sambhal.
The high court had previously stayed further proceedings before the trial court.
While talking to PTI, Shri Gopal Sharma the lawyer of the Hindu side in the Shahi Jama Masjid said, "The high court has rejected it as per the rules. We welcome the decision of the high court. The survey ordered by the civil judge senior division of Sambhal was within the law and was appropriate."
On the other hand, the lawyer of the Muslim side, Shakeel Ahmed Warsi, told PTI that the Allahabad High Court's order was according to the judicial process.
The original plaintiffs in the suit claimed the right of access to the religious site at Mohalla Kot Purvi in Sambhal district.
The committee alleged the suit was filed at noon on November 19, 2024 and within hours, the judge appointed an advocate commissioner and directed him to carry out an initial survey at the mosque, which was done on the same day and again on November 24, 2024.
The court had also directed that a report of the survey be filed before it by November 29.
On January 10, the top court directed the Sambhal district magistrate to maintain status quo on reviving or allowing prayers at a "private" well located near the entrance of the mosque.
Considering a plea of the committee the top court issued notices to the Centre, the director general of the ASI, Sambhal district magistrate and other private Hindu side litigants led by Jain.
On November 24, last year protesters gathered near the mosque and clashed with the security personnel, leading to stone pelting and arson, leaving four dead and several injured.
The top court, on November 29 last year, ordered the Sambhal court to halt proceedings in the case over the mosque and its survey at Chandausi while directing the UP government to maintain peace and harmony in the violence-hit town.
The mosque committee moved the Supreme Court on November 28, challenging the November 19 order of the district court directing the survey of the Mughal-era mosque and sought an ex-parte stay on the operation of the November 19, last year order passed by the civil judge.
