China warns UK, asserts rights over new Russia sanctions

China warned that it will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses after the British government announced a new round of Russia-related sanctions including 11 Chinese companies in mid-October, according to a statement released by the Ministry of Commerce on late Monday. 

A ministry spokesperson urged the United Kingdom to correct its mistake immediately, lift the sanctions on the relevant Chinese entities, and act in the overall interest of China-UK economic and trade cooperation.

The commerce official said that on the Ukraine crisis, China has always acted in strict accordance with its laws and regulations to control exports of dual-use items. Normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or affected.

The UK's move constitutes unilateral sanctions without any basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations, said the spokesperson. 

The Ministry of Commerce pointed out that disregarding China's representations and the sound momentum of China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK's decision to list Chinese companies in its sanctions will negatively impact bilateral economic cooperation.