The Chinese government has challenged the sanctions imposed by the USA and the EU against Russian oil companies, considering them illegal and without basis in international law.

The Chinese government reacted vehemently to the sanctions announced by the U.S. Department of the Treasury against the Russian companies Rosneft and Lukoil, stating that they have no basis in international law. Beijing also criticized the 19th package of sanctions imposed on Russia by the European Union, which includes restrictions on Russian diplomats and sanctions against 45 companies, 12 of which are from China.

The spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Guo Jiakun, emphasized that China opposes unilateral sanctions and called for dialogue as a solution to the Ukrainian crisis. Guo also mentioned that China has not provided lethal weapons and insisted on the legitimacy of trade relations with Russia. Beijing warned that it will take measures to protect its rights, emphasizing that sanctions do not solve problems and do not respect international law. China has continued to strengthen trade with Russia, becoming the largest buyer of Russian fossil fuels.