EU sanctions hurt ties, says Beijing

The commerce minis­try expressed “firm opposition” to the European Union’s inclusion of Chinese entities in its 20th round of sanctions against Russia, demanding their immediate removal from the list.

The EU sanctions package targets China-based entities and other third-country suppliers accused of providing dual-use goods or wea­pons systems to Russia’s military-­industrial complex.

The move “runs counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between Chinese and EU leaders, and seriously undermines mutual trust and the overall stability of bilateral relations”, the ministry’s spokesperson said.

It said “necessary measures” would be taken to protect Chinese firms, adding that the EU would bear the consequences. — Reuters