China rejects US sanctions over ties with Russia and vows to protect its companies

(Patria) - Economic ties between China and Russia are in line with the principles of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Chinese Embassy spokesperson in the United States Liu Pengyu told TASS on Tuesday, adding that Beijing rejected Washington's unilateral sanctions.

“China firmly rejects illegal unilateral US sanctions, and we certainly will not agree to be a scapegoat,” the Chinese diplomat said, commenting on a remark by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The top US diplomat had earlier said that Washington would work to add more Chinese companies to its blacklist for allegedly sending dual-use goods to Russia.

“China's position on Ukraine is just and objective,” Liu said.

“We have been actively working to promote peace talks and a political settlement. Normal trade relations between China and Russia are in line with WTO norms and market rules. They do not target any third country, nor should they be subject to interference or coercion by a third country. We will defend the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies,” he concluded.

Blinken said, testifying at a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Tuesday, that Washington had already sanctioned more than 100 Chinese entities and would continue to do so. He also said that the US would work with its European and other partners to counter China.