China opposes EU’s inclusion of Chinese companies in its sanctions against Russia

China has warned that the European Union’s decision to include some Chinese companies and individuals in the 16th package of sanctions against Russia will have a negative impact on trade relations between China and the European Union.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement that the EU’s move contradicts the consensus reached by the leaders of the two sides, and called on the EU to stop including Chinese companies and individuals in the sanctions lists, and stop distorting and blaming China. =

It added that China always opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not approved by the UN Security Council.

It expressed China’s firm belief that dialogue and negotiations are the only practical ways to resolve the Ukrainian crisis, and China’s consistent support for peace talks, also noting that China will take necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

It is noteworthy that the European Union imposed the 16th package of sanctions on Russia on Monday, on the third anniversary of the Russian military operation in Ukraine.

The new sanctions, officially adopted by the EU foreign ministers, target 73 new Russian oil tankers, and also include a ban on Russian aluminum imports into the EU. Since the Russian military operation in Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the EU has imposed 15 packages of sanctions on Moscow, covering various vital sectors.