China Urges Ukraine to Remove Chinese Firms from "Sponsors of War" List
China has demanded that Ukraine promptly remove over a dozen Chinese companies from its list of "international sponsors of war," asserting the need to "eliminate negative impacts." Acconding to Reuters, China's ambassador in Kyiv had cautioned Ukrainian officials about potential harm to bilateral ties resulting from the inclusion of these companies on the list.
A spokesperson from the Chinese foreign ministry told Reuters, "China firmly opposes the inclusion of Chinese enterprises in the relevant list and demands that Ukraine immediately correct its mistakes and eliminate negative impacts." However, the spokesperson did not specify what those impacts might be.
Despite China's close ties with Russia, refraining from criticism of the invasion, it has emphasized the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. China has also offered to mediate in the conflict.
Ukraine's list designates 48 companies globally, including 14 from China, as "international sponsors of war" based on their alleged indirect contributions to Russia's war efforts. The list, with no legal implications for the listed firms, highlights cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies in sectors such as oil and gas.
Chinese companies in the list:
- Alibaba Group Holding Limited
- China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC)
- China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group)
- China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC)
- China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC)
- China State Construction Engineering Corporation
- COMNAV TECHNOLOGY LTD.
- Dahua Technology
- Great Wall Motor
- Hikvision
- Kerui Group
- Shandong Odes Industry Co., Ltd.
- Xiaomi Corporation
- Zhejiang Geely Holding Group
Ukraine views the blacklist as a "powerful reputational tool" to influence global supply chains and encourage international businesses to withdraw from Russia. China, being Ukraine's biggest trade partner before the invasion, has been a significant consumer of Ukrainian exports, including grain, sunflower oil, and iron ore.
China's potential linkage of the matter to grain purchases raises questions about the economic ramifications of the dispute. Ukraine has called on Beijing to join diplomatic efforts for peace, maintaining a delicate balance to avoid upsetting diplomatic relations throughout the conflict.
Despite China having the most companies on the blacklist, Ukraine has been cautious not to antagonize the nation, even appealing to it for diplomatic collaboration. Recent high-level international meetings have seen Ukraine promoting its peace plan, but China's attendance and engagement have been limited. The ongoing situation underscores the intricate diplomatic challenges faced by Ukraine amid the conflict.
