(MENAFN) China has issued a strong diplomatic protest to the United Kingdom after London imposed sanctions on 11 Chinese companies accused of aiding Russia's defense and energy sectors, according to state media reports Thursday.

The move prompted an immediate and sharp response from Beijing, with a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the UK declaring Wednesday, "China firmly opposes these sanctions," and calling on British authorities to "immediately" revoke the measures.

The British government on Wednesday expanded its sanctions list to include both Russian and Chinese firms, in what it described as a broader effort to escalate pressure on Moscow amid its ongoing war in Ukraine.

British Treasury chief Rachel Reeves said the sanctions targeted businesses in India and China that continued to support the movement of Russian oil into global markets. The actions, she noted, were part of a “targeted” strategy aimed at disrupting Kremlin-linked supply chains.

China, however, condemned the sanctions as unilateral and lacking legal legitimacy.

In a statement, the Chinese Embassy warned that the penalties "undermine the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises."

The embassy further defended China’s stance on the Ukraine conflict, with the spokesperson stating, "On the Ukraine crisis, China has upheld an objective and impartial position, remained committed to promoting peace talks, and strictly regulated the export of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations."

Beijing insisted that routine trade and cooperation between Chinese and Russian firms should not be subject to foreign interference, warning against attempts to politicize commercial ties.

The embassy added, "We urge the UK to immediately rectify its wrongdoing and revoke the sanctions against the relevant Chinese entities. Any action that harms China's interests will be met with a firm response."

The sanctions and China’s defiant reaction are likely to further strain already tense UK-China relations, with both sides standing firm on their respective positions.

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