China blasts West over EU sanctions tied to Ukraine war, accuses it of double standards
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning (Photo: Getty Images)
China expresses regret and firmly opposes the European Union’s unjustified sanctions against Chinese companies, states Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China.
Speaking at a daily briefing, the spokesperson commented on the new round of sanctions against Russia announced by the European Union and the UK. This time, the sanctions list also included companies from China and the United Arab Emirates.
Mao noted that regarding the Ukrainian crisis, China consistently advocates for the promotion of peaceful negotiations.
“China has never provided lethal weapons to parties to the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles,” said the spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
She also emphasized that normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or negatively affected, adding that most countries, including European states and the US, continue to trade with Russia.
According to Mao, European countries should stop applying double standards when it comes to trade and economic cooperation with Russia and should refrain from harming the legitimate interests of Chinese companies.
“China will do what is necessary to firmly defend its lawful rights and interests,” the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry stated.
China and Russia’s war against Ukraine
China does not officially provide military aid to Russia for its war against Ukraine. However, investigators have uncovered numerous instances of Chinese manufacturers supplying components later used by Russia to produce various types of weaponry. Additionally, the Ukrainian Armed Forces have repeatedly captured Chinese nationals who were fighting on the side of the aggressor against Ukraine.
In November 2024, Bloomberg reported that the EU was preparing a new package of sanctions targeting Russian and Chinese companies suspected of developing and supplying drones used against Ukraine.
On May 20, 2025, the EU adopted its 17th package of sanctions against Russia. The measures included restrictions on 200 vessels belonging to Russia’s shadow fleet, as well as Russian and Chinese enterprises assisting the Russian defense industry and supplying components used by Russia to manufacture drones.
