EU Prepares Sanctions Targeting Chinese Firms Over Military Support to Russia.

EU Sanctions Against Chinese Companies

According to Espreso.tv: David O'Sullivan, the EU's Special Envoy for Sanctions, has confirmed that discussions are regularly held regarding punitive measures against Chinese companies involved in manufacturing military goods for Russia. The European Union is currently preparing its 21st sanctions package, which could be adopted by July 15. The crash of a Russian drone near Romania's border with Ukraine accelerated work on this package.

The 20th package already included 56 companies linked to the production of military equipment for Russia, a significant portion of which are Chinese. In response, Beijing blocked seven European defense firms from receiving Chinese goods. O'Sullivan noted that China is 'playing hardball' in this situation.

David O'Sullivan: 'China is playing hardball in this situation.'

He added that the sanctions issue has been raised at the highest levels with Chinese authorities, but their response remains unchanged—they maintain that they are doing nothing wrong.

EU Economic Pressure on China

Additionally, O'Sullivan expressed pessimism about the possibility of a full ban on maritime services for Russian tankers. The G7 summit in Évian, scheduled for late June, may also serve as a platform to discuss this topic.

This situation highlights the intensifying economic pressure from the European Union on China due to its support for Russia amid the ongoing conflict. As China remains a key global player, its reaction to new sanctions could significantly shape the future of EU-China relations.

At the same time, the potential discussion of these issues at the G7 summit indicates that the international community is seeking to coordinate efforts to counter threats arising from military actions in Ukraine.