BERLIN: China issued a warning to the European Union (EU) on Tuesday, cautioning against imposing sanctions on Chinese companies over their alleged involvement with Russia.
The Chinese Foreign Minister, Qin Gang, stated that China would take necessary action to protect the interests of its companies if punitive measures were taken by the EU.
The EU has been considering potential restrictions on eight Chinese companies as part of discussions surrounding the 11th round of sanctions against Russia in response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
These proposed measures include halting exports of sensitive technologies to Chinese firms amid suspicions that such technologies were being resold to Russia. The EU aims to prevent the re-exportation of battlefield-related technologies, like microchips, to Russia via third countries.
During his visit to Berlin, Foreign Minister Qin emphasized that Chinese and Russian companies engage in “normal exchanges and cooperation,” which should not be disrupted. He expressed China’s firm opposition to other countries imposing their own regulations or taking unilateral actions against China.
China’s support for peaceful resolution of Ukraine war
Qin also highlighted China’s support for peaceful dialogue to resolve the war in Ukraine and announced that China would send a special envoy to Ukraine to address the matter. He urged Germany, in particular, to play a more active role in promoting a ceasefire and peace talks.
However, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock urged China to take a clear stance against Russia, cautioning that neutrality in the conflict would align China with Moscow. She emphasized that remaining neutral effectively means siding with the aggressor, while Germany stands firmly on the side of the victim.
As EU ambassadors convene to discuss the potential sanctions, tensions rise regarding the implications for Chinese companies and the response China might take to protect their interests. The situation underscores the complex dynamics surrounding the conflict in Ukraine and the global geopolitical landscape.
