EU sanctions on Chinese firms helping Russia's war machine

According to the Financial Times, the European Union has recommended penalties against Chinese companies accused of exporting equipment that may be used in weapons to bolster Russia's war machine.

Seven Chinese companies have been included in a new package of sanctions that will be debated by EU member states this week.

The sanctions list includes two mainland Chinese businesses, 3HC Semiconductors and King-Pai Technology, as well as five Hong Kong companies, Sinno Electronics, Sigma Technology, Asia Pacific Links, Tordan Industry, and Alpha Trading Investments, according to the Financial Times.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin, said on Monday that the EU should avoid pursuing the "wrong path," or else it will take firm steps to protect its rights and interests.

“China opposes actions that use China-Russia cooperation as a pretext to impose illegal sanctions or long-arm jurisdiction against China,” Wang said at a regular news conference.

The European Commission did not reply quickly to a request for comment.

Some firms, such as King-Pai Technology, have previously been sanctioned by the US, which claims it is a Chinese supplier to several institutions in Russia's military-industrial complex.

Since Russia's 14-month invasion of Ukraine, which Russian President Vladimir Putin described as a "special military operation," the EU has imposed ten sanctions packages on Russian individuals and organisations, causing economic hardship and making financing the war more difficult.

By fLEXI tEAM