Brussels has proposed sanctions on Chinese companies for supporting Russia’s war machine for the first time since the conflict in Ukraine began, in a development likely to increase tensions with Beijing.
Seven Chinese businesses accused of selling equipment that could be used in weapons have been listed in a new package of sanctions to be discussed by EU member states this week, which has been seen by the Financial Times.
Some of the companies have already been placed under sanctions by the US. The EU’s move is likely to rankle with Beijing, which is anxious to keep Brussels from siding with Washington in their battle for global influence.