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EU expands China sanctions, Beijing retaliates with brief notice

The EU added 14 Chinese companies tied to support for Russia’s war, while Beijing, notified as far back as June, issued only a one-hour warning before responding.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

The European Union expanded its sanctions list by adding 14 Chinese companies, accusing them of providing support for Russia’s war against Ukraine, according to SCMP Economy. Brussels officials said the listed names were largely obscure outside narrow trading and compliance circles.

SCMP Economy reported that China responded fiercely less than 24 hours later. People familiar with the exchange said Beijing had been notified of the companies to be listed as far back as June, but gave Brussels just a one-hour warning when it fired back.

Brussels also calibrated its own listings, intentionally omitting major Chinese actors to encourage support from EU member states amid fears of retaliation, SCMP Economy said. EU officials also worry Beijing’s approach could reach extraterritorially, effectively cutting off access to Chinese-origin materials via overseas suppliers and potentially chilling firms’ supply chains.

One senior EU official, cited by SCMP Economy, said Beijing’s retaliation was more forceful than in prior rounds, describing the shift as moving from threats to action.

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