FX.co ★ China Pushes Back on EU Sanctions Targeting Its Companies

China has called upon the European Union (EU) to immediately cease the inclusion of Chinese firms in the EU's 19th package of sanctions against Russia, according to a spokesperson from China's Ministry of Commerce, as reported by Xinhua on Thursday. Despite continuous negotiations and attempts to persuade the EU otherwise, the bloc has maintained its stance, now targeting Chinese companies and implementing sanctions on prominent Chinese oil refineries and traders for the first time, the spokesperson noted. China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that do not have a legal basis under international law or United Nations authorization. Beijing emphasized that it will undertake necessary actions to firmly protect the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, as well as the country's energy security and economic progress.