The European Union has proposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of selling equipment that could be used in weapons to support Russia’s war machine, the Financial Times reported on Sunday (7 May).

Seven Chinese businesses have been listed in a new package of sanctions that will be discussed by EU member states this week, the report said, citing a copy of the sanctions list seen by the FT.

According to the FT, the sanctions list includes two mainland Chinese companies, 3HC Semiconductors and King-Pai Technology, along with five from Hong Kong including Sinno Electronics, Sigma Technology, Asia Pacific Links, Tordan Industry and Alpha Trading Investments.

The European Commission did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Some companies like King-Pai Technology have already been placed under sanctions by the United States, which said it was a China-based supplier for multiple entities in Russia’s military-industrial complex.

Since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine 14 months ago, which Russian President Vladimir Putin termed a “special military operation”, the EU has adopted 10 sanctions packages against Russian individuals and companies, inflicting economic hardship and making financing the war more difficult.

Beijing says it is neutral in the Ukraine conflict. Its leader Xi Jinping has never condemned the Russian invasion, while he has come under increased pressure from Western nations to step in and mediate.

Xi spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelenskyy on 26 April for the first time since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, fulfilling a longstanding goal of Kyiv which had publicly sought such talks for months.

Russia ‘acknowledges’, EU welcomes Xi-Zelenskyy talks

Brussels welcomed Wednesday’s conversation between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, thought to be their first call since Russia invaded Ukraine. In contrast, Russia “acknowledged” the diplomatic move.

Some leaders of EU countries however doubt the sincerity of China in heling bring peace in Ukraine. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has he believes that the aim of China is to continue the war.

China wants Russia to continue war in Ukraine, says Lithuanian president

China’s role in Russia’s war in Ukraine is “more destructive than constructive”, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda has said.

“Unfortunately, I see the aim of China is to continue this war, to make this war even more bloody and in such a …

There is a fine line between Chinese components reaching Russia and official Chinese military aid to Moscow. The US has warned Beijing of “consequences” should China provide material support to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

In meeting, Blinken warns China’s Wang Yi against aiding Russia in Ukraine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday (18 February) warned top Chinese diplomat Wang Yi of consequences should China provide material support to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

Russia and China signed a “no limits” partnership last February shortly before Russian forces invaded Ukraine, and their economic links have boomed as Moscow’s connections with the West have shrivelled.

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