CNBC "Following EU, US Also Considering Sanctions on Chinese Companies Supporting Russia"

China "Opposes Unilateral Sanctions"

Foreign media reported that the United States is considering sanctioning Chinese companies that appear to be supporting Russia in the Ukraine war.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (right) and Russian President Vladimir Putin are shaking hands during a meeting in Beijing, China, on October 18 last year. [Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 19th (local time), according to the US CNBC broadcast, after the European Union (EU) decided to pursue sanctions similar to those imposed on Russia against Chinese companies suspected of supporting Russia, Representative Gerald Connolly of the US House Foreign Affairs Committee said, "The US Congress is also reviewing similar measures."

Rep. Connolly emphasized, "China needs to understand that the same kind of sanctions sweeping Russia could also be applied to them," adding, "Frankly, China has more to lose than Russia. Given the difficulties in the Chinese economy, China must carefully calculate that supporting Russia's violence related to the Ukraine war could come at a cost."

Senator Ben Cardin, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, also stated, "The House is reviewing how to implement sanctions against China together with the Biden administration," and "We are calling for more cooperation with other countries." On the 16th, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Wang Yi, Director of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission Office of the Chinese Communist Party (also serving as Foreign Minister), during the Munich Security Conference to express concerns about support for Russia.

China has repeatedly stated its opposition to unilateral sanctions. On the same day, Mao Ning, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing, "China has consistently maintained an objective and fair stance on the Ukraine crisis and has continuously advocated for peace and promoted dialogue," while also stating, "China has the right to carry out normal cooperation with countries around the world."

Furthermore, "We have consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack international legal basis and are not approved by the UN Security Council," adding, "We will continue to take necessary measures to firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies."