The Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) Photo: VCG

Certain foreign companies have violated market norms, coercing their Chinese partners to choose sides in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, a spokesperson with Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Thursday, adding that China is firmly opposed to such unlawful acts.

Since the beginning of the Ukraine crisis, a series of sanctions imposed by relevant countries on Russia have disrupted normal trade between China and Russia, said Shu Yuting, the spokesperson.

On certain foreign companies forcing Chinese companies to choose sides, Shu said China stands firmly opposed to such unlawful acts, noting that China's foreign trade laws and other regulations dictate that Chinese companies should not make improper public statements under external pressure for the sake of maintaining a just, and free foreign trade environment.

Shu said China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the lawful interests of Chinese companies. 

China always opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction without the backing of international law and the authorization of UN Security Council, and opposes unlawful actions prohibiting or restricting Chinese companies engage in normal business activities with their partners from other countries, Shu said.

MOFCOM's comments came one day after US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen's threat of possible economic consequences for those who seek to undermine Western sanctions on Russia. 

A number of Western countries led by the US have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia, which range from freezing the country's assets abroad to trade ban.