News Brief
EU Plans To Blacklist More Chinese Firms For Allegedly Aiding Russia: Report
EU and China Flags
In a latest development, European Union officials are set to inform Chinese diplomats about plans to add more Chinese companies to a blacklist due to allegations of aiding Russia in evading EU sanctions.
The accusations involve buying European-made goods prohibited for sale to Russia and exporting them to Russian military buyers.
As reported by SCMP, the aim of the meeting is to seek Beijing's assistance in closing these loopholes, as previous consultations resulted in the removal of Chinese firms from a draft blacklist after commitments from Beijing to halt such trade.
However, the recent absence of China's ambassador to the EU, Fu Cong, who is now stationed in New York, raises questions about the effectiveness of negotiations.
Despite previous efforts, three mainland Chinese entities and one Hong Kong-based company were blacklisted in February for violating EU sanctions.
Concerns have also been raised in Europe over China's supply of dual-use goods to Russia, which have military applications, further complicating the situation as Western countries support Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently accused China of supporting Russia's war economy, citing various forms of technological assistance.
“Last year, Russia imported 90 per cent of its microelectronics from China, used to produce missiles, tanks, and aircraft. China is also working to provide Russia with improved satellite capabilities and imagery. All of this helps Moscow to inflict more death and destruction on Ukraine,” Stoltenberg said.
