China has lodged a formal protest against the European Union’s recent sanctions on 19 Chinese companies, which the EU claims are assisting Russia in Ukraine. The sanctions, announced on Monday, target entities suspected of contributing to Russia’s defense capabilities.
The sanctions list, published in the EU’s Official Journal, includes firms based in Hong Kong and two significant players in the global satellite market. These companies are now subject to stringent restrictions on the sale of “dual-use goods and technology,” which could enhance Russia’s defense sector.
China responded on Tuesday, strongly opposing what it described as “unilateral sanctions with no basis in international law.” The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, expressed Beijing’s stance at a press briefing, stating that the normal business exchanges between Chinese and Russian firms do not target any third party. Mao urged the EU to revoke the sanctions and warned that China would take necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
The EU’s recent sanctions represent the 14th package of punitive measures against Russia, adding 61 new companies to a list now totaling 675 entities accused of supporting Russia’s military-industrial complex amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Among the newly sanctioned firms are two prominent Chinese satellite companies. These companies are accused of selling satellites and satellite imagery to Russia’s Wagner mercenary group. An investigation revealed that in October 2022, Beijing Yunze Technology Co Ltd signed a contract with Wagner for more than $30 million to acquire two high-resolution satellites from Chang Guang Satellite Technology, which is now on the EU’s sanctions list. Head Aerospace Technology, another Chinese firm implicated, was also named in the latest sanctions for its sale of satellite images to Wagner and had been sanctioned by the US in 2023.
While China denies direct involvement in supplying weapons to Russia, both the United States and Europe allege that Chinese companies have been selling components and equipment to support Russia’s military industry. These allegations are firmly rejected by Beijing.
In addition to Chinese firms, the EU’s sanctions also include numerous Russia-based companies, which constitute about half of the newly added entities on the list.
