Kathrine Frich
European officials regularly confront Beijing
Global trade can feel like a giant game of whack-a-mole. As soon as officials close one door to restrict the flow of goods, someone else simply opens a window.
A very big problem
European leaders are drafting their 21st set of penalties to squeeze the Kremlin’s war economy. But they face a major roadblock.
According to Euronews cited by Digi24, EU sanctions envoy David O’Sullivan says Beijing remains a massive hurdle. Chinese firms continue to help Moscow bypass Western restrictions.
O’Sullivan explained that European officials regularly confront Beijing. He noted, “We raise this issue regularly at the highest level in discussions with the Chinese authorities, but you know their response: they say they don’t think they’re doing anything wrong.”
That denial leaves Europe with little choice. The envoy stated, “That’s why we need to continue to take unilateral action against Chinese companies and financial institutions.”
Playing hardball
The previous round of measures targeted 56 tech suppliers based in China. Beijing fired back almost immediately, banning seven European defense companies from buying Chinese goods.
O’Sullivan told Euronews that “China is playing hardball” in this trade dispute. He acknowledged the risks, warning, “If we take action, they will respond with similar measures.”
Even so, the special envoy insists Brussels will act. He added, “However, it is very important to send a clear message that we are vigilant against attempts to circumvent sanctions and that we will act when we have evidence.”
Oil market jitters
Meanwhile, a proposed ban on shipping Russian oil has completely stalled. Nations with massive shipping industries, like Greece and Malta, continue to strongly oppose any strict maritime bans.
And with the Strait of Hormuz closed, global energy markets are already extremely nervous. O’Sullivan observed, “There is no appetite at this point for additional measures that could worsen the situation.”
Officials want to maintain the current oil price cap instead. O’Sullivan argued, “We should not raise the price ceiling to a level that becomes overly generous towards Russia. The objective is to keep it around the current threshold of $60 per barrel.”
A change of heart
There is one potential breakthrough. Digi24 reports that Hungary’s new prime minister, Péter Magyar, seems open to blacklisting Russian Patriarch Kirill.
Former leader Viktor Orbán had previously blocked this exact move. O’Sullivan remains cautiously optimistic about the shift.
He noted, “In the past, Hungary has vetoed several proposals to sanction entities or individuals. We will see how much this position has changed.”
Sources: Euronews, Digi24
