European Union Targets Chinese Companies and Individuals Over Support for Russia
The European Union (EU) has proposed sanctions for the first time targeting Chinese companies and individuals linked to Russia’s war in Ukraine, in an effort to curb Beijing’s involvement in helping Moscow evade Western sanctions. The new measures would freeze assets and impose travel bans on firms and a Chinese national aiding Russian companies that support the Russian military’s operations in Ukraine.
The proposed sanctions are part of the EU’s 15th package of measures aimed at further isolating Russia’s military-industrial complex. These sanctions include freezing assets of six Chinese companies and banning one Chinese individual from entering the EU. This is the first time the EU has targeted Chinese entities with asset freezes and travel restrictions directly linked to their support for Russia’s war efforts.
The sanctions are a response to Russia’s successful efforts to bypass Western sanctions by sourcing critical goods, such as microprocessors, through third countries, with China playing a central role in aiding Russia’s economic resilience. Western officials have stated that China’s assistance has been instrumental in helping Russia continue its military operations in Ukraine despite international sanctions.
One of the Chinese companies targeted is accused of being the largest supplier of sanctioned microelectronics components to Russia, which are used to manufacture Orlan drones deployed by the Russian military in Ukraine. The new sanctions also aim at 33 companies, primarily based in Russia, but also include firms in China, Iran, Thailand, and the UAE. Additionally, 44 entities are being targeted as part of efforts to disrupt Russia’s “dark fleet,” a network of ships used for illicit operations to bypass sanctions.
The sanctions package, which was first shared with EU member states on November 22, must be approved by all 27 EU countries before it can take effect.
