BEIJING, February 20. /TASS/. Beijing considers unacceptable the possible introduction of sanctions against Chinese companies due to cooperation with Russia, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Mao Ning said in response to a request from a TASS correspondent to comment on US plans to introduce these restrictions.
"China has the right to carry out normal cooperation with countries around the world. We have always opposed unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorized by the UN Security Council <...>," Mao Ning said. Beijing also opposes the so-called long arm jurisdiction - the extension of national legislation to entities abroad. According to her, China will continue to take the necessary measures to protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.
Mao Ning noted that China has always adhered to an objective and fair position on the Ukrainian issue and advocated the promotion of peace negotiations. "We did not observe the fire from afar, much less take advantage of the opportunity to benefit," she stressed.
Earlier, a member of the House of Representatives of the US Congress, Jerry Connolly, said in an interview with CNBC that the United States is considering the possibility of imposing restrictions against Chinese companies that allegedly help Russia with the supply of goods necessary for its implementation. According to him, the introduction of restrictions began to be discussed after reports of similar plans from the EU emerged.
On February 12, Bloomberg, citing a draft document at its disposal, reported that the European Union had invited the member states of the community to impose trade restrictions on two dozen companies, including three companies from mainland China, for cooperation with Russia. According to the document, the restrictions will affect technology companies and electronics manufacturing firms that "contribute to the strengthening of Russia in the military and technological spheres or the development of the Russian defense and security sector." Restrictions are also expected to be imposed on firms from Hong Kong, India, Kazakhstan, Serbia, Thailand, Turkey and Sri Lanka.