China Responds to Ukrainian Sanctions
On Monday, China’s foreign ministry reacted to Ukraine’s latest sanctions, which target domestic individuals and businesses allegedly complicit in the Russian invasion.
According to state media, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday the implementation of the 18th round of sanctions against Russia and various international firms, affecting over 90 companies globally. Among those heavily impacted are institutions linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Ukraine has published information indicating that China is supporting the invasion by supplying critical weapon components and has even claimed to have captured Chinese soldiers in the ongoing conflict this year.
These sanctions mark a significant shift from Zelensky’s earlier policies in 2022, right before the “special operation” by Russia commenced. The Ukrainian president has aimed to hold the Chinese government accountable, suggesting they could play a role in rebuilding the nation post-conflict. Ukraine is also a participant in China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which some criticize as a means of ensnaring poorer nations in debt. Zelensky has often sought cooperation with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, even inviting him to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
However, these overtures have largely gone unheeded. Zelensky and Xi communicated in April 2023 after multiple attempts by the Ukrainian leader to reach out. Shortly thereafter, Chinese diplomats toured Europe in a bid to mediate peace, although these efforts have not led to any notable change on the battlefield.
Zelensky reiterated that the recent sanctions target over 90 companies involved in mining rare metals used in manufacturing engines and drones, a response to the actions of the invaders.
“The 18th Sanctions Package includes provisions that have been added to 53 individuals and entities from Russia, China, Iran, and others,” Zelensky explained. “These restrictions affect companies involved in extracting rare earth materials critical for producing electronic systems, guidance modules, engines, and drones.”
“The Russian decision to initiate and prolong this conflict ultimately harms their own economic prospects,” he stated. “Working collaboratively with our partners truly makes a difference. I am thankful to all who are supporting us!”
In response to inquiries about the sanctions, Guo Zi-Kung, a spokesperson for China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, declared on Monday that Ukraine’s unilateral sanctions lack legitimate basis in international law.
“We call on Ukraine to correct these errors immediately, alleviating their adverse impact,” he said. “China will staunchly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese firms.”
Neither government has yet provided a comprehensive list of the sanctioned Chinese entities, but reports suggest they are “directly or indirectly engaged in the Russian military-industrial complex.”
Ukrainian sanctions encompass asset freezes, temporary operational bans, restrictions on trade and transport, and a halt to flights and movement through Ukrainian territory.
These sanctions follow mounting accusations against China for aiding Russia’s ongoing aggression, both by providing essential materials and allegedly sending soldiers. Recently, the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence released information claiming a new Russian drone model is entirely constructed from Chinese components.
“Almost half of these parts, including vital navigation systems and controllers, originate from a single company in CUAV technology,” Ukraininform reported.
Following this, Ukrainian officials accused China of surreptitiously sending drone parts to Russia, disguised among shipments labeled as “industrial refrigeration units.”
In April, Zelensky shared a video claiming a man identified as a Chinese citizen was fighting alongside Russian troops against Ukraine.
“The presence of Chinese fighters in Ukraine is a crucial issue we need to address with our allies,” he remarked at the time. “It’s urgent. We recognize our strength as a nation, but we’re unable to take on multiple adversaries simultaneously.”
The Chinese government has neither confirmed nor denied the nationality of the alleged fighter but indicated it would look into the information, though no follow-up has been made.
In early July, reports indicated that Ukrainian authorities attempted to acquire documents regarding a new cruise missile design, leading to the arrest of two Chinese nationals, a student and his father.
