BEIJING.- China announced that it will take strong measures to protect the interests of its companies. The reaction comes after USA will apply a series of sanctions that impact Chinese companies and other nations that collaborate with Russia in the acquisition of components for the manufacture of weapons intended for the conflict in Ukraine.
“China urges the United States to stop smearing and restricting China and to stop meaninglessly applying illegal and unilateral sanctions,” a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement.
The US Treasury Department announced on Wednesday a series of sanctions aimed at limiting Russia’s industrial and military capabilities, affecting some 300 entities, including numerous companies accused of facilitating Russia’s acquisition of technology and equipment in abroad.
“China will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies,” China’s spokesperson added.
Among the affected entities are companies based in China, which intensifies pressure on this country from the United States. This scenario occurs more than 15 months after the start of the Russian invasion of the former Soviet republic, a conflict that China has refrained from condemning.
China reiterated on Thursday that it is not responsible for the crisis in Ukraine and affirmed its right to maintain “normal” trade relations with all countries, including Russia. In this context, Beijing stressed its determination to defend the legal rights and interests of its companies, adopting the measures it deems necessary.
Source: With information from AFP
