MOFCOM opposes UK sanctions against Chinese firms over Russia, vows to safeguard their legitimate rights

Commenting on the UK Foreign Office's announcement on October 15 of a new round of Russia-related sanctions including 11 Chinese companies, a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) said on Monday that China firmly opposes the UK's measures to list 11 Chinese companies on the grounds relating to Russia.

On the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently strictly controlled the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations, and normal interactions and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be interfered with or affected, the spokesperson noted.

The UK's actions constitute unilateral sanctions without basis in international law or authorization from the UN. Disregarding China's representations and the positive momentum in the development of China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK insists on listing Chinese companies, which has a negative impact on China-UK economic and trade relations, the spokesperson said.

China urges the UK to proceed from the overall interests of maintaining China-UK economic and trade cooperation, immediately correct its erroneous practices, and revoke the sanctions on the relevant Chinese entities. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, the MOFCOM spokesperson noted.