China urges UK to lift sanctions on Chinese entities

China on Wednesday urged the United Kingdom to immediately lift sanctions imposed on Chinese entities and individuals, after London announced new measures targeting 11 Chinese entities.

The UK side claimed the sanctioned entities and individuals had supported Russian energy companies and allegedly supplied key materials for Russia's military industry.

In response, the Chinese Embassy in the United Kingdom said the unilateral sanctions have no basis in international law and infringe upon the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. China strongly opposes such actions and has lodged solemn representations with the UK.

The embassy reiterated that China has always maintained an objective and impartial stance on the Ukraine crisis, consistently worked to promote peace talks, and strictly regulates exports of dual-use items in accordance with laws and regulations.

"Normal commercial exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be disrupted or affected," the embassy said, adding that China firmly opposes any slander or smearing and will resolutely respond to any actions that harm its interests.