China’s Foreign Ministry demanded Ukraine “immediately correct its mistakes” on Tuesday after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Kyiv would sanction Chinese nationals working with Russia’s military-industrial complex, Chinese state news agency Xinhua reported.
Beijing now frames protecting those who help arm Russia as safeguarding “legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises and citizens.”
China insists on peace role
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian delivered China’s response at a daily press briefing, emphasizing that “China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that violate international law.”
In the same statement, Lin insisted China remains committed to “promoting a ceasefire and the cessation of hostilities, as well as advancing peace talks.”
“The efforts China has made are evident to the international community,” he said.
Ukraine targets those fueling Russia’s war
Zelenskyy announced the upcoming sanctions on Monday, writing on Telegram that at least one package would target “individuals working with Russia’s military-industrial complex—not only Russians, but also individuals from China.” Ukraine has previously sanctioned Chinese companies supplying drone parts and military components to Russia. Targeting individuals marks an escalation.
The president said additional measures would hit those who justify Russian aggression in the media and athletes who “glorify Russia’s war against Ukraine.”
Ukraine is also coordinating with European partners on a 20th EU sanctions package focused on Putin’s energy assets, with adoption expected in early 2026, according to the Ukrainian news outlet NV. Canada is preparing its own new sanctions package.
A treaty forgotten
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As the analysis by the think tank CHOICE points out, the 2013 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation between China and Ukraine included pledges of mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity. China committed that it would “under no circumstances” use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against Ukraine.
Those commitments have remained rhetorical.
In 2024, Kyiv reminded Beijing of these assurances in a UN appeal calling for security guarantees from nuclear states—without tangible results.
China has maintained what analysts describe as “pro-Russian restraint” since February 2022, refusing to condemn Moscow’s invasion while deepening strategic coordination between the two powers.
