Beijing reacts sharply to Ukraine’s intention to impose new sanctions on Chinese citizens
Photo: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian (Getty Images)
In China, there was a sharp reaction to plans to impose new sanctions on Chinese citizens and companies that support Russia’s war against Ukraine. Beijing called this a mistake, states the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian.
During a briefing, the Chinese spokesperson commented on the possible inclusion of Chinese citizens in Ukraine’s sanctions lists.
Lin emphasized that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that violate international law and are not authorized by the United Nations Security Council.
"We urge the Ukrainian side to immediately correct its mistake. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens," added Lin Jian.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry representative stated that if sanctions are imposed, Beijing will protect its citizens and businesses "by all available means" and reserves the right to take retaliatory measures.
He emphasized that China would defend its companies and citizens if Ukrainian sanctions were imposed against them.
Sanctions against China
On December 22, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Chinese citizens would be included in the new sanctions package alongside Russian entities involved in the military industry.
Previously, Ukraine had already imposed sanctions on China over the possible supply of Chinese weapons to Russia.
In April 2025, by presidential decree, sanctions were applied to three Chinese companies.
In July 2025, Zelenskyy signed Decree No. 555/2025, introducing restrictions on companies and individuals supporting Russian aggression. The measures affected dozens of individuals and legal entities, including those from Russia, China, Iran, and the United Arab Emirates.
Russia–China cooperation
Earlier, The Economist reported that China has become a major supplier for Russia’s military machine. In addition, Beijing may have provided lethal weapons.
Reuters also learned that Chinese combat engines are being shipped to Russia disguised as "industrial refrigeration units."
In September, the US President’s special envoy for Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, emphasized that if China were to stop assisting Russia, the war in Ukraine "could end the very next day."
