EU member states agreed on the 18th to impose the 18th round of economic sanctions against Russia, with the sanctions list including two Chinese financial institutions. In response, the Chinese Mission to the EU stated that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council.
The Chinese Mission to the EU said that the nature and impact of these EU sanctions are extremely detrimental. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition, and has lodged a stern representation with the EU side.
The Chinese Mission to the EU pointed out that China will take strong measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
The Chinese Mission to the EU stated that China insists on promoting peace talks regarding the Ukraine issue, is committed to facilitating a political resolution of the crisis, has never provided lethal weapons to the parties in conflict, strictly controls exports of dual-use items, and urges the EU to stop smearing and shifting blame onto China, immediately correct the erroneous practice of sanctioning the two Chinese financial institutions, and take concrete steps to eliminate the adverse impact.
According to diplomatic sources, Suifenhe Rural Commercial Bank and Heihe Rural Commercial Bank—two regional banks from cities near the China-Russia border—were listed on the blacklist in the EU's 18th round of economic sanctions against Russia.