China 'firmly opposes' UK sanctions on its companies

China's embassy in the UK said on Wednesday it is firmly opposed to Britain's sanctions on Chinese companies that London said were involved in Russia's military supply chains, stating that any "behavior that harms China's interests will be resolutely counterattacked by China."

In a statement, the embassy said China opposed the UK's violation of international law, the abuse of unilateral sanctions and damage to the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies, and had lodged "stern representations" with the UK.

"China has always adhered to an objective and fair stance on the Ukrainian issue, and has been actively committed to promoting peace talks and promoting political settlement," it said.

"The British government ignores domestic and international public opinion and continues to add fuel to the fire, contributing to the protracted war and the loss of lives, making peace even more elusive. 

"Instead of reflecting on its bad behavior, the British side made excuses to sanction companies from China and other countries. This fully exposed the British hypocrisy. We urge the British government to immediately correct its mistakes and lift sanctions on Chinese companies. 

"The Chinese government will take firm and effective measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises. We are telling the British side that any behavior that harms China's interests will be resolutely counterattacked by China."

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The news comes five days after several UK companies, speaking at the China-UK Economic and Trade Forum in Manchester, said they wanted to forge closer links with China, despite government curbs.

China is now Britain's fourth largest trading partner. Annual two-way trade volume surpassed $135 billion by the end of the second quarter, an increase of 8.5 percent. Renewable energy is playing a major role - and is deemed a strong potential contender for broader cooperation going forward.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is on record as saying that the UK will not be returning to the close relationship seen under former Prime Minister David Cameron, who recently returned to government as foreign secretary.

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