China exposes Western ‘double standards’ regarding Russia sanctions

(MENAFN) China has criticized the European Union and its allies for applying what it called “double standards” after the EU introduced a new round of sanctions against Russia and several Chinese companies allegedly linked to its military supply network.

The EU’s 17th sanctions package, approved on Tuesday, targets Russia’s so-called shadow fleet used for crude oil transport. It also includes restrictions on Chinese firms accused of supplying drone components and microelectronics to Moscow. The UK, in coordination with the EU, also sanctioned 18 vessels.

In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning dismissed the allegations and warned Western countries not to interfere with regular trade between China and Russia. She called out what she described as Europe’s contradictory behavior, noting that many Western nations, including those imposing sanctions, continue to trade with Russia.

Mao reiterated that China enforces strict controls on dual-use exports and has not supplied lethal weapons to any party in the Ukraine conflict.

The latest sanctions were announced shortly after a phone conversation between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump, who reportedly cautioned that more sanctions could hinder peace efforts in Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Russia and Ukraine held their first direct talks since 2022 last week. Previous negotiations collapsed after Ukraine chose a military approach, allegedly influenced by then-British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

On the same day the EU unveiled its new sanctions, China voiced support for renewed Moscow-Kiev dialogue and pledged to continue promoting a peaceful resolution to the war.

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