The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Chinese companies for supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a move Beijing has condemned as “unlawful sanctions.”
In a statement, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it was “aware of the related reports.” “China firmly opposes illegal sanctions and ‘long-term jurisdiction’ against China on the basis of China-Russia cooperation.”
The ministry asserted that “Chinese and Russian companies have normal exchanges and cooperation and are not targeting third parties. They should not be interfered with or influenced by third parties.” We will take the necessary measures to resolutely protect our rights.” And the profits of Chinese companies too. ”
European authorities have called for tougher sanctions on Chinese companies, proposing the harshest penalties against about 20 companies they say have helped Russia since it began its invasion of Ukraine.
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“Russia is doing everything in its power to circumvent our sanctions, but we need to do more,” one official told the Guardian about the pressure. “We need to close loopholes and target detours to further reduce revenues.”
Prime Minister Alexander De Croo visits the People’s Republic of China from January 10 to 13, 2024 (2nd day) – Meeting with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, China on January 12, 2024 (Didier Leblanc/Photonews via Getty Images)
China has faced accusations since the invasion began of acting as a backdoor access to Russia to resist the immense burden of sanctions from the United States and Europe. Beijing agreed in February 2022 to buy 100 million tons of coal from Moscow, effectively providing Russia with a lifeline. Russia.
Politico reports that the think tank’s sanctions team has revealed that Chinese and Hong Kong companies are currently playing the role of “the most important intermediaries” in the transfer of battlefield technology to Russia, and that they are all subject to Western sanctions. It was reported that it was discovered.
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Some European countries, such as Germany, have advocated not going after third countries that support Russia, but the new proposal would target sanctions only on specific companies, rather than the countries in which they are located.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands after signing a joint statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Russian Federation in Moscow, Russia, March 21, 2023. (Xie Huanzhi/Xinhua News Agency, via Getty Images)
In its latest proposal, the EU is particularly focused on where Russia sources its technology, which it says often comes from allies that buy technology from countries such as China. The sanctions also affect companies based in Turkey, India, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
These companies obtain the components Russia needs to make drones, tanks, and guided missiles, such as microelectronics and ball bearings, manufactured in EU member states, the United Arab Emirates, Serbia, Kazakhstan, and China. It is sold to countries such as They head to Russia.
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If passed, the proposal would mark a new step in the increasingly fragile relationship between China and Europe. EU member states have backed a plan proposed in summer 2023 that aims to source critical minerals and resources from sources outside China. In response, the Chinese government canceled a summit meeting with European officials.
In this photo provided by the National Police of Ukraine, police officers and rescue workers walk in front of the RIA Pizza restaurant that was destroyed by a Russian attack in Kramatorsk, Ukraine, on Tuesday, June 27, 2023. ((Ukraine National Police via AP))
China and Russia maintain an “unrestricted partnership” and “close personal exchanges” ahead of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s planned visit to Beijing later this year, Voice of America reports. I promised to do it.
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“President Putin’s visit to China [this year] It will definitely be held, [and] China is looking forward to his arrival,” Zhang Hanhui, the Chinese ambassador to Russia, told Russian state media Sputnik last week.
In a telephone conversation on February 8, President Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping condemned “US interference in other countries’ affairs” but praised cooperation in various fields.
