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China Condemns EU Sanctions Including Chinese Firms

From The Straits Times · (18m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • China's Ministry of Commerce strongly opposes the EU's inclusion of Chinese entities in its 20th sanctions package against Russia.
  • Beijing demands the immediate removal of these entities, accusing the EU of violating consensus between leaders and undermining bilateral trust.
  • China warns it will take necessary measures to protect its companies and holds the EU responsible for all consequences.

From Beijing's perspective, the European Union's latest sanctions package, which includes Chinese entities, represents a significant misstep that jeopardizes the stability of China-EU relations. The Ministry of Commerce has unequivocally stated its firm opposition, demanding the immediate removal of these companies from the list. This action is seen not only as a violation of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders but also as a direct blow to the mutual trust that underpins bilateral ties.

China views these sanctions as targeting third-country suppliers of critical high-tech items, an approach that is perceived as unfair and potentially harmful to global trade. The accusation that these Chinese entities are providing dual-use goods or weapons systems to Russia's military-industrial complex is strongly contested. Beijing maintains that its companies operate in compliance with international law and that such accusations are unfounded and politically motivated.

runs counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders, and seriously undermines mutual trust and the overall stability of bilateral relations

— spokesperson for China's commerce ministryDescribing the negative impact of the EU sanctions on China-EU relations.

The Chinese government has made it clear that it will not stand idly by while its companies are targeted. The statement from the Ministry of Commerce warns of "necessary measures" to protect Chinese businesses, placing the onus squarely on the EU for any negative repercussions. This firm stance reflects China's determination to safeguard its economic interests and assert its position on the international stage, emphasizing that the EU's actions have consequences for the overall stability of their relationship.

all consequences will be borne by the EU side

— spokesperson for China's commerce ministryWarning of repercussions for the EU due to the sanctions.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.