Twenty-one humanoid robots joined thousands of runners at the Yizhuang half-marathon in Beijing on Saturday, the first time these machines have raced alongside humans over a 21-km (13-mile) course.

Despite maintaining close economic ties with Russia during Moscow's three-year war in Ukraine, China has sought to project an image of neutrality and denies any involvement in the war. Friday's disclaimer followed Zelenskiy's remarks at a press conference the previous day that China was supplying weapons and gunpowder to Russia,

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy accused China of supplying weapons to Russia in its war against his country, saying he would present detailed evidence next week.