Despite the Wagner Group's brief but impactful rebellion, which presented a significant challenge to President Vladimir Putin's authority, China continues to stand by Russia. Following the aborted mutiny, Russia's Deputy Foreign Minister, Andrei Rudenko, engaged in discussions with officials in Beijing regarding "international" matters.

This image, released by Prigozhin Press Service, captures Yevgeny Prigozhin, head of the Wagner Group, recording a video message in Rostov-on-Don, Russia, on Saturday, June 24, 2023. (Prigozhin Press Service via AP)

The Russian ministry stated that China voiced support for Russia's leadership in stabilizing the nation following the weekend's turmoil. Initially, China's foreign ministry only revealed that Rudenko and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang had discussed Sino-Russian relations and shared concerns on the international and regional stages. Later, China affirmed its backing of Russia's national stability, characterizing the recent escalation as an "internal affair."

Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin in a handshake. (Xie Huanchi/Xinhua via Getty Images)

The mutiny concluded on Saturday with an agreement that prevented Prigozhin and his mercenary forces from facing prosecution. In exchange, Prigozhin withdrew his troops to their base and agreed to relocate to Belarus. Throughout the unfolding rebellion, Chinese leadership remained conspicuously silent. However, the state-controlled Global Times criticized Western media for exaggerating the situation and attempting to undermine Russian unity.

On social media platforms, numerous Chinese citizens expressed solidarity with Putin, posting messages of encouragement. The Chinese Embassy in Russia assured the Southern Metropolis Daily that the Moscow area was peaceful. Western leaders, including President Joe Biden, confirmed their close monitoring of the situation.

Wagner Group members on patrol in Rostov-on-Don on June 24, 2023. (Photo by STRINGER/AFP via Getty Images)

Prigozhin's stated objective for his march on Moscow was to oust allegedly corrupt and incompetent military leaders whom he blamed for mismanaging the war in Ukraine. Wagner forces swiftly took control of the military headquarters in Rostov-on-Don, a city with over a million residents, before advancing rapidly towards the capital, encountering minimal resistance. The Kremlin appeared momentarily vulnerable as Wagner convoys moved through Russia, overcoming roadblocks and downing military aircraft dispatched to halt their progress. However, Putin subsequently granted Prigozhin amnesty, contingent on his exile to Belarus. While the Kremlin presented the agreement as a strategic move to avert bloodshed, it represented a substantial concession from a leader known for his firm suppression of dissent.