Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun

Commenting on the EU's new sanctions against Russia over the Ukraine conflict, which cover more countries, including 12 Chinese firms and three Indian firms for allegedly helping Russia bypass the West in technology transfer, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Thursday that the EU has repeatedly launched illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies citing excuses related to Russia. "China is strongly dissatisfied with this and firmly opposes it. We have lodged solemn representations with the EU," Guo said.

"We have repeatedly stressed that China is neither the creator of the crisis nor a party to it. China has consistently promoted peace talks, has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict, and exercises strict control over the export of dual-use items," Guo said.

The spokesperson noted that most countries, including the EU and the US, are conducting trade with Russia, and the EU has no right to comment on the normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies.

"We urge the EU to stop making unwarranted remarks about China or harming China's legitimate interests, which is not conducive to the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its lawful rights and interests," Guo said.

Global Times