China is upset with the UK for imposing sanctions on people and groups linked to supporting Russia in the Ukraine conflict. China is a violation of international rules and warns that it will strongly respond if any actions hurt its interests.

The disagreement shows a potential problem in how countries are dealing with the situation, and it might make their relationship more difficult. The situation could become more complicated as things develop, affecting not only how China and the UK interact but also how other countries handle the ongoing crisis.

In a statement, the embassy emphasized that Beijing has maintained objectivity and fairness in its approach to the war in Ukraine. It urged the UK to rectify its errors and withdraw the sanctions imposed on Chinese firms.

The UK has introduced forty-six new sanctions, extending to businesses in China and several other countries, including Belarus, Serbia, Turkey, the UAE, and Uzbekistan. The government asserts that these entities "continue to support Russia's illegal invasion of Ukraine."

Among the entities targeted, three Chinese companies—Asia Pacific Links Limited, Sinno Electronics Co., Limited, and Xinghua Co., Limited—have been singled out for their alleged involvement in supplying goods subject to sanctions. The sanctions, aimed at 31 individuals and entities, focus on those allegedly involved in the design and manufacturing of drones and missile components, as well as the importation of electronic parts.

The UK has imposed sanctions on four UAE-based entities accused of trading Russian oil and other entities connected to the Wagner mercenary group. Additionally, a Belarusian defense organization, which the UK alleges manufactured military technology used by Minsk to support Russia's war effort, has also been subjected to sanctions.

These measures are part of the UK's broader strategy to target entities deemed supportive of Russia's actions in Ukraine. The sanctions focus on those involved in the oil trade and entities associated with the Wagner mercenary group, which has been linked to various military activities. The move reflects the UK's efforts to exert economic pressure on entities deemed complicit in supporting Russia's actions in the ongoing conflict.

Junior foreign minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan stated, "We will continue to escalate pressure on Putin and take action against third parties supplying restricted goods and technology to Russia, regardless of their location."

She emphasized that the latest sanctions aim to impact Russian defense systems and disrupt illegal supply chains sustaining Russia's war efforts. "Today's sanctions will hit Putin where it hurts, damaging Russian defense systems, and cracking down on illegal supply chains propping up Russia's war machine. Working alongside our G7 partners and international allies, we will continue to escalate pressure on Putin and crack down on third parties providing restricted goods and technology to Russia, wherever they may be." This development increases the total number of sanctioned individuals to over 1,600, along with an additional 250 entities.

Image source: SKY News