China has firmly opposed the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom on a number of its national companies. This move comes as a response to the companies' alleged assistance in helping Russia circumvent restrictions previously established by Western countries. According to reports from the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China, in late February 2024, the UK updated its sanctions list and imposed restrictions on three Chinese electronic companies for Russia-related reasons. New sanctions mainly target key revenue sources for Russia, affecting trade in metals, diamonds, and energy resources and, subsequently, those foreign suppliers who are allegedly involved in this trade. The Chinese authorities warned that these measures would have a negative impact on trade ties with the UK and expressed their readiness to stand firmly against the imposition of restrictions on some Chinese companies. China’s Ministry of Commerce views the actions of the British side as a "typical example of extraterritorial jurisdiction" that adversely affects Sino-British trade and economic relations. The Chinese authorities believe that the British sanctions are unilateral and not based on international law. Against this backdrop, Beijing calls on London to change its decision and warns that it is prepared to “resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises.”
