Beijing, Feb 25 (.) Beijing on Wednesday said it would take necessary steps to “safeguard its rights and interests” after the United Kingdom included several Chinese companies in an expanded list of sanctions targeting Russia.
“China opposes unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council. China strongly deplores relevant moves of the UK side,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning told a regular press briefing.
Her remarks came a day after the UK government announced it had added 297 new designations to its anti-Russia sanctions regime. The additions include 240 companies, seven individuals and 50 vessels, among them dozens of firms from China and the United Arab Emirates.
Mao said China has consistently promoted peace talks to resolve the Ukraine crisis and has maintained strict controls over the export of dual-use items.
“The normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted or affected,” she said. “China will do what is necessary to firmly defend its legitimate and lawful rights and interests.”
She reiterated that regular cooperation between Beijing and Moscow should not be subject to external interference.
Responding to a question about remarks by Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service alleging that the UK and France were preparing to transfer nuclear weapons to Ukraine, Mao said she was not familiar with the specifics.
“China always believes that nuclear weapons must not be used, a nuclear war must not be fought, and international non-proliferation obligations should be earnestly observed,” she said. “Dialogue on the Ukraine crisis has started and it is hoped that parties can seize the opportunity and reach a comprehensive, durable and binding peace agreement.”
She urged relevant parties to remain calm and exercise restraint to avoid miscalculation and escalation.
Russia has repeatedly said it can withstand Western sanctions and has accused Western countries of refusing to acknowledge what it describes as the failure of their sanctions policy. Some Western officials have questioned the effectiveness of the measures, while Russian President Vladimir Putin has said the strategy to contain and weaken Russia is long-term and that sanctions have inflicted broader damage on the global economy.
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