Beijing responds to West sanctioning Chinese companies trading with Russia
Beijing is unhappy with sanctions against Chinese companies (Getty Images)
China strongly opposes the decisions of the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States to impose sanctions on its companies over reasons related to Russia, according to Reuters.
"China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises," China's Ministry of Commerce wrote on its website.
China warned the European Union and the United Kingdom that these measures would have a "negative impact" on economic and trade relations, but did not use this phrase in its statement directed against the United States.
Sanctions against Chinese companies
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden announced on February 23 new trade restrictions on 93 organizations from Russia, China, Türkiye, the United Arab Emirates, Kyrgyzstan, India, and South Korea for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine.
The latest package of sanctions is intended to prevent firms worldwide from circumventing measures already taken to deprive Moscow of opportunities to purchase military equipment or equipment necessary to replenish its ammunition and other military goods.
The EU has approved its own extensive package of sanctions against Russia, including against three Chinese firms and one Hong Kong company, while restrictions announced by the United Kingdom included sanctions against three Chinese electronics manufacturing companies.
Beijing has provided diplomatic and economic support to Russia since the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Trade between the countries has sharply increased, and Moscow circumvents Western sanctions with the help of Beijing.
