Beijing: Sanctions on Moscow harm trade between China and Russia
China announces it will take the necessary steps to protect the interests of its people.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Monday that Beijing will take necessary steps to protect its interests and the rights of its people.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs called on Washington to refrain from harming Chinese interests in the wake of the increasing sanctions on Moscow.
Earlier, White House Spokesperson Jen Psaki had said the US might "take steps" against China if it does not join it in sanctioning Russia.
In response, China's Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson, Zhao Lijian, asserted that China will protect its interests against any potential damage that may result from the US sanctions against Russia amid its special military operation in Ukraine.
Regarding Western sanctions, the statement added that the sanctions on Moscow are causing damage to the trade movement between China and Russia, explaining that the sanctions do not solve problems, but rather create an escalation of crises, especially in energy, food security, and other sectors.
China added that more than 140 of the more than 190 UN states did not join unilateral sanctions against Russia. This means that most countries of the world are taking a cautious and responsible stance on this issue.
The statement articulated hope from China that parties responsible for sanctions will show composure, focus their efforts on advancing the negotiations, and not seek to tighten sanctions.
Days ago, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in the United States, Liu Pengyu announced that US sanctions against Chinese officials are against international relations.