Brussels has included Chinese companies in its 19th sanctions package announced against Russia. Beijing is preparing countermeasures.

Beijing has lodged an official protest with Brussels over the European Union’s (EU) sanctions imposed on 12 Chinese companies. China expressed its “strong dissatisfaction” and stated that it “firmly opposes” the move.

Describing the sanctions as unilateral and illegal, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that China “is neither a party to nor an instigator of the Ukraine crisis.” He emphasized that Beijing has always adhered to the policy of mediating between the relevant parties and promoting dialogue.

The spokesperson also reminded that China “has not supplied lethal weapons to any party in the conflict,” underscoring that Beijing strictly controls the export of dual-use items (civilian and military).

‘STOP MAKING EXCUSES’

Guo pointed out that many countries, including those in Europe and the United States, continue to trade with Russia. He stressed that “the European Union has no right to comment on normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies.”

The spokesperson called on the EU to “stop using China as an excuse” in its relations with Russia, as doing so “will not contribute to the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.” He added that China would take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.

19TH PACKAGE

On Wednesday, the EU agreed to impose new sanctions against Russia over the war in Ukraine, expanding the scope of the measures to several countries, including 13 Chinese and three Indian companies. The EU claimed that these companies were helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions, particularly through the transfer of technology related to military production.