The Chinese Foreign Ministry sharply criticised a new package of U.S. sanctions targeting the Russian war economy, including Chinese companies accused of aiding the invasion of Ukraine.

“We call on the United States (U.S.) to stop the indiscriminate, illegal, unilateral sanctions,’’ said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing on Thursday.

She said that China was neither a party nor the cause of the Ukraine crisis and that Beijing would act to protect the rights of Chinese companies and citizens.

China has forged strong ties with Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Washington said that while Beijing may not directly provide weapons for Moscow’s campaign, it has become a critical lifeline for Russia’s sanctioned economy and its military.

On Wednesday, a day before G7 leaders gathered in southern Italy to discuss Ukraine, the Biden administration announced it was imposing 300 new Russia-related sanctions.

Among them were multiple Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies, with the U.S. alleging some of them sent dual-use items that could be used in Russian military equipment.

(dpa/NAN)