UNIPA News(BEIJING) June 16 — China has lodged what it described as “serious representations” with British authorities after the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on several entities, including four Chinese companies, over allegations that they supplied key military-related equipment to Russia.

The Chinese Embassy in London said Beijing strongly opposes the sanctions and urged the British government to reverse the decision. According to a statement issued by the embassy on Tuesday, China considers the measures a mistake and has called on Britain to withdraw them.

The embassy also warned that China would take necessary steps to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its companies affected by the sanctions.

A spokesperson for the embassy said China has consistently advocated for peace negotiations regarding the Ukraine conflict and maintains strict controls over the export of dual-use goods, which can have both civilian and military applications.

The spokesperson further stated that normal economic exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disrupted or affected by external measures.

The British sanctions package, announced on Tuesday, targets what London describes as Russia’s “shadow fleet” and financial networks that allegedly support Moscow’s activities. The measures also include restrictions on third-country entities accused of supplying critical military equipment to Russia, with companies from China, Thailand and Turkey among those sanctioned.

The latest move highlights continuing tensions between Western governments and countries accused of facilitating Russia’s access to goods and technologies amid the ongoing war in Ukraine.