By Anadolu staff
Beijing warned the UK that sanctioning 11 Chinese firms for alleged links with Russia would harm bilateral trade relations, calling the move an “erroneous action.”
In a statement issued late Monday, China’s Ministry of Commerce said Beijing “firmly opposes” the UK’s decision to place Chinese companies on its sanctions list, calling the move “without basis in international law or authorization by the United Nations.”
"China has consistently and strictly controlled the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations,” it said. “Normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies should not be disrupted or affected.”
Beijing urged London to “immediately correct its erroneous actions” and lift sanctions on the affected entities, stressing that China would “firmly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”
"The UK, disregarding China's representations and the positive development momentum of China-UK economic and trade relations, insists on listing Chinese enterprises, which will have a negative impact on bilateral economic and trade ties," the spokesperson said.
On Oct. 15, the UK sanctioned Russian and Chinese entities as part of efforts to increase pressure on the Kremlin over its war on Ukraine.