Lin Jian Photo: Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs
China has reacted sharply to the European Union’s decision to impose sanctions on several Chinese companies that, according to Brussels, supplied military equipment to Russia during the war in Ukraine. On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused the EU of “slander” and said that Beijing was ready to take “necessary measures” to protect its companies. This was reported by AFP.
On Monday, the EU added four Chinese companies to its blacklist, accusing them of supplying components, including drones and microprocessors, used by the Russian military industry. The sanctions also targeted one person and two organisations that, according to Brussels, helped Moscow circumvent restrictions imposed after the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
Beijing says these accusations “have no legal basis”. “Regarding Ukraine, China has always made every effort to promote peaceful negotiations and has never supplied weapons to the parties to the conflict,” Lin Jian said during the briefing.
The Chinese diplomat called on the EU to stop “falsely accusing and discrediting” China.
Toughest sanctions against Chinese companies
The EU sanctions include a ban on entry to the bloc’s countries, asset freezes and a ban on European companies from financing these entities.
Among the companies sanctioned is Xiamen Limbach, which is accused of supplying engines for Iranian Shahed drones. These drones are actively used by the Russian military during the fighting in Ukraine.
This is not the first time the EU has accused Chinese companies of supporting the Russian military machine. However, the current restrictions are the most severe ever and demonstrate Brussels’ intention to increase pressure on third countries that facilitate the circumvention of sanctions.
The situation is exacerbating diplomatic relations between China and the EU, as Beijing continues to balance between supporting Russia as a strategic partner and trying to avoid a direct conflict with Europe.
