China Condemns U.S. and EU Sanctions on Russia, Says Measures Lack Legal Basis

China has condemned the latest round of sanctions imposed by the United States on Russia’s two largest oil companies, describing them as “unilateral measures” without any foundation in international law. The sanctions were announced on Wednesday by former U.S. President Donald Trump after the collapse of a planned summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump, who has repeatedly accused Moscow of obstructing dialogue, said the restrictions were necessary in response to Russia’s continued aggression in Ukraine. However, Beijing has rejected this approach, arguing that only the United Nations Security Council has the authority to approve such actions under international law.

At a press briefing in Beijing on Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun reaffirmed China’s opposition to what he called “unilateral sanctions that have no basis in international law and are not authorised by the United Nations.” Guo maintained that China’s stance on the war in Ukraine remains neutral, noting that Beijing has consistently called for dialogue and negotiation between Moscow and Kyiv. Responding to Trump’s comment that Chinese President Xi Jinping could have “a big influence” on Putin to end the war, Guo said that diplomacy, not pressure, remains the only realistic path toward peace.

The Chinese government also criticised the European Union for imposing additional sanctions on Russia, which included penalties targeting several Chinese firms accused of supporting Moscow’s war efforts. Guo said Beijing was “strongly dissatisfied” with the EU’s decision, calling it an unjustified interference in normal trade relations between Chinese and Russian companies. He stressed that China was “neither the creator of the Ukraine crisis nor a party to it” and that Europe had “no right to make irresponsible remarks” about legitimate business exchanges between the two nations.

Beijing’s latest response highlights growing friction between China and Western powers over the handling of the Russia–Ukraine conflict. While the United States and its allies have tightened economic and diplomatic measures to isolate Moscow, China has deepened its trade ties with Russia, especially in energy and manufacturing. Guo warned that Beijing would “take all necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests,” signalling that China is prepared to defend its economic partnerships against Western pressure. The statement underscores China’s broader message that the West should pursue dialogue rather than coercion in resolving the ongoing conflict.