The Ministry of Commerce Photo: VCG

China deplores and firmly opposes the EU adding Chinese entities and individuals for the first time on the "fully-fledged listings" in its 15th sanctions package against Russia, the Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Thursday in response to a question regarding the matter.  

The ministry vows to take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.

Despite repeated representations and opposition from China, the EU has included some Chinese entities and individuals in its 15th sanctions package against Russia, the ministry noted in a statement, reiterating the country's firm opposition to unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization by the UN Security Council.

The EU's action contravenes the spirit of consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders and will negatively affect China-EU economic and trade relations, the ministry said. 

China urges the EU to immediately stop its wrongdoing and refrain from harming the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies in order to maintain the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership and ensure the stability of global industrial and supply chains.

According to a statement released by the European Commission (EC), the European Council adopted its 15th sanctions package against Russia on Monday, with 84 additional listings, including 54 individuals and 30 entities, responsible for actions "undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine."

The EU has adopted "fully-fledged listings" (ie, a travel ban, an asset freeze and a prohibition to make funds available) on seven Chinese individuals and entities.

China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday also blasted the EU's move. "On the Ukraine crisis, China is committed to promoting talks for peace. China never provides weapons to the parties to the conflict and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, and China's scope and measures of export control over drones are the most stringent worldwide. The normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or interfered with," China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said at a regular press conference on Tuesday.

Global Times