In response to allegations that Chinese companies were supplying arms to Russia, Ukraine imposed sanctions on three companies. The Chinese Foreign Ministry denied the accusations.

Following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s claims that China was facilitating arms shipments to Russia, Ukraine today imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies. The list of individuals and entities sanctioned by Ukraine was updated on Friday, April 18. The updated list included not only Russian companies but also three Chinese companies. Accordingly, Ukraine decided to impose sanctions on Beijing Aviation and Aerospace Xianghui Technology, Rui Jin Machinery, and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining, all registered in China.

The list did not specify the reasons why these companies were sanctioned. The sanctions prevent these companies from doing business in Ukraine and freeze any assets they have in the country.

CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTRY: BASELESS ACCUSATIONS AND POLITICAL MANIPULATION
According to 2021 data, within a year without a war outbreak between Ukraine and Russia, Ukraine exported goods worth $8 billion to China, mainly raw materials and agricultural products. The same year, the value of products imported from China was around $11 billion. Allegations that Ukraine made against China supplying weapons to Russia caused tension between the two countries. Yesterday, Zelensky stated in a press conference in the capital Kiev that his government has evidence that Chinese firms are supplying heavy weapons and ammunition to Russia and producing weapons within Russian territory. Despite Zelensky not presenting evidence to support these claims, the Chinese Foreign Ministry responded to the allegations today.

As reported by China’s Global Times, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “China firmly opposes baseless accusations and political manipulation.” The spokesperson mentioned that the Kiev government is aware that Beijing has not provided weapons to any conflicting party and maintains strict control over exporting dual-use products. Lin also noted, “Ukraine acknowledges this fact, stating in public that most parts of Russia’s imported weapons come from the United States and other Western countries.”