Q: On October 15, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office announced a new package of sanctions against Russia, listing 11 Chinese enterprises. What is China’s comment on this?

A: China firmly opposes the UK’s decision to list 11 Chinese enterprises under the pretext of Russia-related concerns. On the issue of the Ukraine crisis, China has consistently exercised strict export controls over dual-use items in accordance with its laws and regulations. Normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be disrupted or adversely affected. The UK’s actions constitute unilateral sanctions lacking a basis in international law and without authorization from the United Nations. Disregarding China’s repeated representations and the positive momentum in China-UK economic and trade relations, the UK has persisted in listing Chinese enterprises, thereby causing negative impacts on bilateral economic and trade cooperation. China urges the UK to act in the interest of the overall China-UK economic and trade cooperation, immediately rectify its erroneous actions, and with draw the sanctions imposed on the relevant Chinese entities. China will resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.