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

AdvertisementChina-EU relationsChinaDiplomacyChina warns EU to remove firms and citizens from Russian sanctions list

Commerce ministry said Brussels would ‘bear the consequences’ after 27 mainland and Hong Kong firms were added to the latest blacklist

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Alcott Weiin BeijingPublished: 7:40pm, 26 Apr 2026China has demanded that the European Union remove Chinese businesses and individuals from its latest sanctions list related to Russia’s war in Ukraine.

The Ministry of Commerce in Beijing also warned the bloc that it would take whatever measures were necessary to protect the rights and interests of its citizens and companies.

“[We should] find a way to resolve our respective concerns through dialogue and consultation,” the ministry said, adding that the consequences of not lifting the sanctions would be “borne by the EU”.

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On Thursday, the EU announced its 20th round of sanctions over the war, which targeted 27 entities from mainland China or Hong Kong.

Brussels accused them of providing dual-use military and civilian supplies to the Russian military-industrial complex or of helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions.

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The commerce ministry said the sanctions had undermined “mutual trust” and harmed bilateral relations, adding that they had been imposed despite repeated objections from Beijing.

“China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition,” it said.

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