BEIJING – Chinese officials issued a sharp rebuke Saturday against the European Union’s decision to place several Chinese businesses on its newest sanctions list targeting Russia, marking the 20th round of such penalties.
Beijing’s commerce ministry voiced strong disapproval of the EU’s action, calling for the Chinese companies to be struck from the sanctions roster without delay.
The latest European sanctions focus on foreign suppliers providing crucial advanced technology components to Russia. Several China-based companies were targeted for allegedly supplying equipment that serves both civilian and military purposes, or weapons technology, to Russia’s defense manufacturing sector.
A commerce ministry representative stated the EU’s decision “runs counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders, and seriously undermines mutual trust and the overall stability of bilateral relations.”
Chinese officials issued a stern warning that they would implement “necessary measures” to safeguard their domestic companies. The ministry added that “all consequences will be borne by the EU side” for this action.
