Speaking at a press briefing, Jian stated that Beijing opposes unilateral sanctions against Chinese citizens and companies.
“Regarding the crisis in Ukraine [Russia’s war against Ukraine], China is committed to facilitating peace negotiations,” the official said.
“Ordinary trade and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted. We call on the EU to stop harming the legitimate interests of Chinese companies in the absence of any evidence supporting its claims.”
Lin claimed that the EU measures lack legal basis under international law since they were not approved by the UN Security Council. He also said China does not supply lethal weapons to belligerents in Ukraine and “carefully” controls the export of dual-use goods.
Earlier on July 18, the European Council approved the 18th package of sanctions against Russia. The package includes a ban on any contracts related to the Nord Stream gas pipelines and lowers the price cap on Russian oil from $60 to about $47 per barrel. Under the same package, the EU revoked permission for Czechia to purchase Russian oil.
The measures also include secondary restrictions that apply to companies in third countries that help Moscow evade EU sanctions. These penalties would apply to several Chinese banks involved in helping Russia secure financing for its military industry.