EU Imposes New Sanctions on Chinese Entities
The European Union has adopted its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, which for the first time includes a significant number of Chinese entities. Announced on October 23, 2025, the measures target Russia's war economy, encompassing sectors such as energy, finance, and the military-industrial base. The EU stated that these sanctions are aimed at 'third country operators' enabling Russia's revenue streams.
Specifically, the new sanctions list includes 12 Chinese entities, including some based in Hong Kong, accused of providing direct or indirect support to Russia's military-industrial complex or engaging in sanctions circumvention, particularly concerning drone production and technology transfers. Additionally, two Chinese refineries and one oil trader have been sanctioned for being 'significant buyers of Russian crude oil,' thereby providing a 'substantial source of revenue' to Moscow.
The sanctioned refineries are identified as Liaoyang Petrochemical Company, a subsidiary of state-owned China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), and Shandong Yulong Petrochemical. The oil trader is Chinaoil (Hong Kong) Corporation, also a CNPC subsidiary. Another trading firm, Tianjin Xishanfusheng International Trading Company, was also listed for its role in circumventing sanctions. These sanctions entail asset freezes and a prohibition on making funds and economic resources available to the listed entities, along with a full trade and investment ban with EU firms.
China's Strong Opposition and Official Response
In response to the EU's decision, China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun voiced strong condemnation. During regular press conferences on October 23 and 24, 2025, Guo Jiakun stated that China 'strongly deplores and firmly rejects' the EU's 'repeated illicit unilateral sanctions' against Chinese companies over Russia-related issues. China has lodged formal protests with the EU side.
Guo Jiakun emphasized that 'China did not create the Ukraine crisis, nor is China a party to it.' He reiterated China's commitment to promoting peace talks, asserting that China 'never provides lethal weapons to any party to the conflict' and 'strictly controls the exports of dual-use items.' The spokesperson also highlighted that 'most countries, including EU members and the U.S., continue to trade with Russia,' arguing that the EU is 'in no position to point fingers at the normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies.'
Implications for China-EU Relations
The Chinese Foreign Ministry urged the EU to 'stop directing the issue at China and harming China's interests,' warning that such actions are 'not conducive to the sound and stable development of China-EU relations.' Guo Jiakun concluded by stating that China 'will do what is necessary to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.' A spokesperson for the Chinese Mission to the EU and the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) also echoed these sentiments, expressing strong dissatisfaction and opposition to the EU's move.
5 Comments
Bermudez
The EU is just escalating tensions. This won't help peace talks, only make things worse.
Africa
Good! Cut off every single source of funding for Russia's war. No more excuses.
Rotfront
China asserts its right to trade freely, but the EU has legitimate concerns about dual-use technologies reaching Russia's military. Finding a balance between economic partnership and security is incredibly difficult.
Habibi
While the EU aims to weaken Russia's war efforts, targeting Chinese firms could severely damage crucial China-EU trade relations. Diplomacy needs to be prioritized to avoid further escalation.
ZmeeLove
It's clear the EU wants to project strength, and China wants to protect its economic interests and sovereignty. This situation highlights the complex geopolitical struggle where economic leverage is a primary tool.