"China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Mao Ning called on parties involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict to remain calm and avoid escalation on Tuesday, following Russian reports that France and the UK plan to supply nuclear weapons to Kiev. "Nuclear weapons must not be used, a nuclear war must not be fought, and international non-proliferation obligations should be earnestly observed [...] It’s hoped that parties can seize the opportunity and reach a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement," Mao stated in a presser in Beijing. Russia's Foreign Intelligence Service alleged that Paris and London were actively working to equip Ukraine with nuclear capabilities, while the Federation Council urged the UN Security Council and the IAEA to investigate. Russian presidential spokesperson Dmitri Peskov called the move ‘extremely dangerous’ and said Moscow would factor it into the next round of peace talks. The third round of talks between Russia, Ukraine, and the US took place on February 17–18. Neither France nor the UK had commented on Moscow's accusations. Mao Ning also slammed a US official's allegations about underground nuclear tests in China, dismissing the remarks as "unsubstantiated and entirely groundless." Commenting on German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's statements ahead of his two-day trip to Beijing, the spokesperson hailed the countries' bilateral cooperation and effective competition. "Both sides should uphold the principles of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, achieve greater progress in China-Germany relations, and jointly make greater contributions to world peace and prosperity," Mao emphasised. Merz arrived in Beijing on Wednesday on his first visit to China since taking office, following a series of critical remarks about the country, most recently over its stance on the ‘universal validity of human rights.’ China reportedly became Germany's most important trading partner in 2025, with a volume of over €250 billion ($294 billion) - surpassing Berlin's trade with the US."