China says US and EU have "no right to interfere" in Russia sanctions

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] Following the announcement by the United States and the European Union (EU) that they will impose sanctions on Russian officials and companies in connection with the assassination attempt on Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny, China has criticized this as interference in internal affairs.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said on the 3rd, "China has expressed its position several times. How to handle the Navalny issue is entirely Russia's internal matter," adding, "External forces have no right to interfere in the internal affairs of a sovereign country." He continued, "We hope the relevant countries resolve conflicts through negotiation and dialogue rather than unilateral sanctions."

On the 2nd (local time), the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against seven senior Russian officials involved in the assassination attempt and detention of Navalny. Related agencies and companies were also included in the sanctions. The EU also announced sanctions on the same day against four senior Russian officials, including Prosecutor General Igor Krasnov, who were involved in Navalny's detention and imprisonment.