In a pointed rebuke, China has accused the European Union and its Western allies of hypocrisy following the announcement of the EU’s 17th round of sanctions against Russia. The new package, which also targets several Chinese companies, drew swift condemnation from Beijing, which warned the West against undermining legitimate trade under the pretext of geopolitical maneuvering.

The latest sanctions, adopted by Brussels on May 20, aim to curb Russia’s ability to bypass existing restrictions, particularly regarding its so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport crude oil. But what has drawn Beijing’s ire is the inclusion of Chinese firms accused of supplying drone parts and microelectronics to Russia-claims China flatly denies.

Responding to the measures, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning addressed the accusations on May 21, labeling the sanctions as evidence of “double standards” in Western policy toward Russia. “Those in Europe need to stop using double standards on trade and economic cooperation with Russia,” Mao declared at a press briefing. “Most countries, including those in Europe and the US, continue to trade with Moscow.”

The statement highlights a growing frustration in Beijing over what it perceives as selective enforcement of trade restrictions by Western powers-restrictions that conveniently spare their own economic interests while targeting third countries under the guise of moral obligation.

China also strongly rejected the claim that it is aiding Russia’s war effort. Mao emphasized that Beijing strictly monitors the export of dual-use goods-items that can be used for both civilian and........

© Blitz