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China has warned the European Union (EU) against imposing new sanctions on its companies on Wednesday, after Brussels proposed new measures over alleged support for Russia during the war in Ukraine.
The proposed EU sanctions are part of wider efforts to increase pressure on Russia by targeting firms in third countries accused of helping its military operations.
The EU has already imposed several rounds of sanctions since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, including measures against some Chinese companies.
Under the latest proposal, officials disclosed to AFP that 14 companies from mainland China and Hong Kong could be added to a list of firms banned from buying EU goods.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that China strongly opposes such actions.
“China has always firmly opposed illegal unilateral sanctions that lack basis in international law,” Lin said.
He added that China has already raised concerns with the EU and urged it to change its approach.
“China has several times lodged serious representations with the European side, urging it to correct its wrong practices,” he stated.
Lin also warned that China will monitor the situation closely and take steps to protect its interests.
The dispute comes as the EU continues to tighten sanctions targeting Russia’s war economy, especially in areas linked to drones, energy and finance.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the latest measures are targeted at weakening Russia’s military capabilities.
“Brick by brick, we are collapsing the foundations of Russia’s war economy,” she wrote on social media.
The new sanctions package still needs approval from all 27 EU member states before it can take effect.
