The Ministry of Commerce of China File photo: VCG

In response to a media inquiry regarding the EU's announcement on Thursday of the inclusion of Chinese companies in its 19th round of sanctions on Russia, including, for the first time, large Chinese refineries and oil traders, a Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) spokesperson stated on Thursday that despite China's repeated representations and warnings, the EU has acted arbitrarily, once again listing Chinese companies in the 19th round of sanctions and, for the first time, targeting large Chinese refineries and oil traders. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to this move, the spokesperson added.

China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN, the MOFCOM spokesperson said, noting that the EU's actions violate the spirit of the consensus reached by Chinese and European leaders, seriously undermine China-EU economic and trade cooperation, and affect global energy security.

China urges the EU to immediately cease listing Chinese companies and to refrain from going down this wrong path, the MOFCOM spokesperson said, emphasizing that China will take necessary measures to firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, as well as its own energy security and economic development.

Global Times