China on Wednesday criticised the U.S. ban on Russian oil, gas and coal imports in response to the Ukraine war.

“Waving the big stick of sanctions will not bring us peace or security,” Foreign Office spokesperson Zhao Lijian told the press in Beijing on Wednesday.

Mr Lijian warned that the ban will only cause severe economic difficulties and the livelihood of relevant countries.

“Everyone will lose from this scenario and sanctions will only enhance division and confrontation,’’ said the Chinese official.

China and Russia maintain good cooperation in the energy sector, he said. 
“We will continue to conduct normal trade cooperation,’’ the spokesman insisted.

On possible punitive actions by the U.S., if Chinese banks and companies did not comply with other sanctions already imposed earlier, the spokesperson said China would take “all necessary measures’’ to resolutely defend the legitimate interests of Chinese companies and individuals.

(dpa/NAN)