Kiev has announced new restrictions on Chinese individuals who are alleged to support Russia’s defense industry
Beijing has called on Ukraine to “immediately correct its mistakes” after Kiev indicated it would impose new sanctions on Chinese individuals, a spokesman from China’s Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Ukraine’s Vladimir Zelensky stated on Monday that Kiev is getting ready several new sanctions packages by the end of the year aimed at Russian entities and individuals, as well as foreign nationals involved in backing Moscow’s military – industrial complex, including several from China. In May, Zelensky imposed sanctions on a Chinese firm as part of broader measures targeting 58 people and 74 firms associated with Russia’s defense industry.
“China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that violate international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council,” spokesman Lin Jian said. “We urge Ukraine to immediately correct its mistakes,” he added, noting that Beijing would “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.”
The EU and the US have also imposed sanctions on Chinese firms and individuals they claim are supplying Russia with dual – use goods, components, or materials used in weapons production.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry has emphasized that China has never provided lethal arms to either side in the conflict and that it strictly controls exports of dual – use items. It has also mentioned that Beijing supports a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, and the promotion of peace talks.
Moscow and Beijing have strengthened their cooperation since the intensification of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022. The two countries characterize their relationship as a strategic partnership “without limits,” with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion for a third consecutive year.
During his annual end – of – year Q&A session last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin described relations with China as stable and trustworthy, stating that the two countries’ foreign ministries maintain regular contact and coordinate stances on key global issues.