Beijing slams UK’s ‘unilateral’ sanctions on 11 Chinese companies

China has denounced the United Kingdom for sanctioning 11 Chinese companies over “alleged connections” with Russia despite Beijing’s diplomatic objections, warning the move could damage the UK-China relationship.

“The UK’s actions constitute unilateral sanctions that lack both a basis in international law and authorisation from the United Nations,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on Monday.

Beijing urged London to “immediately correct its mistake and lift the sanctions on the relevant Chinese entities”, adding that it would “firmly safeguard” the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.

The ministry also made clear that the British government had insisted on adding the 11 companies to its sanction list despite Beijing’s official protest, a move that risked damaging “the positive momentum in China-UK economic and trade relations”.

China had consistently and strictly controlled exports of dual-use items, the statement said, and “normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be interfered with or affected”.

The British government announced its latest round of Russia-related sanctions on October 15, targeting 90 entities and ships – including 11 Chinese companies – for allegedly supporting Russia’s energy, finance and defence sectors.