Christine Drews Sieger
New revelations have prompted the EU to consider sanctions against Chinese companies linked to Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
Four Chinese companies could become part of the EU’s next round of sanctions against Russia.
According to internal documents obtained by POLITICO, the EU believes the companies are contributing to activities that support Russia’s war effort in Ukraine.
The proposal is set to be discussed at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Luxembourg on June 15, according to United24 Media.
Several countries affected
In addition to the Chinese companies, firms from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, and Azerbaijan are also among those the EU is considering sanctioning.
The sanctions are intended to increase pressure on the networks and companies that help Russia obtain goods and technology despite existing restrictions.
The names of the affected companies have not yet been made public, according to United24 Media.
Focus on China
However, the focus on China has been building for some time. In recent years, the EU has increasingly scrutinized the role of Chinese companies in supply chains that benefit Russia.
According to POLITICO, more than 90 percent of the sanctioned technology that Russia now gains access to comes through China.
The EU has previously been reluctant to target Chinese companies due to concerns about potential economic retaliation from Beijing, United24 Media reports.
Larger package on the way
At the same time, member states are negotiating a broader sanctions package covering the energy sector and the existing price cap on Russian oil.
The European Commission has not commented on the details of the upcoming measures.
However, it has stated that the goal is to increase economic pressure on Moscow and limit its ability to circumvent sanctions, United24 Media reports.
Russia dependent on China
China’s importance to Russia extends far beyond diplomacy.
In May, The Washington Post reported that Moscow has become increasingly dependent on Beijing economically as Western sanctions have expanded.
It is precisely this development that the EU is now seeking to address through new sanctions against Chinese companies.
Sources: United24 Media, POLITICO, The Washington Post
