Beijing warns EU of consequences after Chinese companies included in Russia sanctions package

Beijing warned Brussels that the "EU will bear all consequences" after the bloc included Chinese companies in its latest sanctions package against Russia, escalating tensions in an already strained Sino-Europe trade relationship. In a statement issued late Saturday, China's commerce ministry said it was "strongly dissatisfied" and "firmly opposes" the inclusion of Chinese businesses in the Russia sanctions, accusing the EU of acting "brazenly" despite repeated objections. "China urges the EU to immediately remove Chinese companies and individuals from the sanctions list," the ministry said in the statement, warning that Beijing "will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard" their interests. The EU's 20th sanctions package, approved last week after Hungary and Slovakia dropped their veto, targets another 20 Russian banks, cutting them off from euro transactions and business in the bloc. The breakthrough on the sanctions came after a dispute over the Druzhba oil pipeline — which carries Russian crude via Ukraine to Central Europe — was resolved. The package also targets banks and companies in third countries, including China, as part of a broader push to shut down back channels used to support Russia's war economy, with a strong focus on anti-circumvention measures across trade, energy and financial networks. French President Emmanuel Macron warned on Friday that Europe is now under pressure from the United States, China and Russia at the same time. "We should not underestimate that this is a unique moment where a U.S. president, a Russian president, a Chinese president are dead against the Europeans," Macron said, speaking alongside Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens. The French leader called on the EU to "wake up" and defend its own interests.