China warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

China Demands EU Remove Firms and Citizens from Sanctions List

China has formally demanded that the European Union remove Chinese businesses and individuals from its latest sanctions package related to Russia’s war in Ukraine, warning that it will take necessary measures to protect its interests. The demand was issued in a statement from China’s Ministry of Commerce, which expressed “strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition” to the inclusion of Chinese entities in the EU’s 20th round of sanctions.

The EU announced the new sanctions on April 23, targeting 27 entities from mainland China and Hong Kong. Brussels accuses these entities of providing dual-use military and civilian supplies to Russia’s military-industrial complex or helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the development is broadly consistent across outlets. The South China Morning Post highlighted China’s demand for removal from the sanctions list and emphasized the Ministry of Commerce’s warning of protective measures. TASS, the Russian state news agency, focused on China’s opposition to unilateral restrictions not sanctioned by the UN Security Council, framing the EU’s actions as undermining mutual trust between Beijing and Brussels.

Both reports attribute the core statements to China’s Ministry of Commerce, though they differ slightly in tone and emphasis. TASS quoted the ministry as saying that the EU had “ignored China's repeated motions and objections” and had “unceremoniously included” Chinese companies in the sanctions package. The South China Morning Post noted that the ministry said the sanctions had been imposed despite repeated objections from Beijing.

Key Claims

The central claim, reported by multiple sources, is that China’s Ministry of Commerce has formally demanded that the EU remove Chinese businesses and individuals from its sanctions list. The ministry warned that it would take necessary measures to protect the rights and interests of Chinese citizens and companies, and stated that the consequences of not lifting sanctions would be “borne by the EU.”

According to a single source (the South China Morning Post), the EU’s 20th sanctions package targeted 27 entities from mainland China or Hong Kong. This figure has not been independently verified in other coverage reviewed for this article.

Another claim, carried only by TASS, asserts that the EU “ignored China's repeated motions and objections” in drawing up the sanctions. This is presented as the ministry’s characterization of events.

China’s Ministry of Commerce, as quoted by TASS, stated that Beijing is “categorically opposed” to unilateral restrictions not sanctioned by the UN Security Council and to what it called “extraterritorial jurisdiction” against its citizens and legal entities. The ministry also referenced a consensus reached by Chinese and EU leaders, which it claims the EU’s actions run counter to.

Perspectives

China’s perspective, as presented through official statements, emphasizes that the EU’s sanctions are unjustified, undermine mutual trust, and harm bilateral relations. Beijing argues that it is defending its legitimate rights and calls for dialogue to resolve concerns.

The EU’s perspective, as reflected in the sanctions announcement, is that the targeted entities are involved in activities that support Russia’s military capabilities or help Moscow evade existing sanctions. Brussels views these actions as a violation of international norms.

No official EU response to China’s demand has been reported in the coverage reviewed. The situation continues to develop, and it remains unclear how the EU will respond to China’s request.

This article is based on reporting from the South China Morning Post and TASS. Both sources provided official statements from China’s Ministry of Commerce, but neither included direct comment from EU officials.