China and Germany traded barbs Tuesday over Ukraine, with Beijing warning the EU against sanctions targeting its companies while Berlin said “neutrality” in the conflict meant taking Russia’s side.
At their second meeting in a month, the foreign ministers of the two countries, Qin Gang and Annalena Baerbock, clashed repeatedly over major powers’ responsibilities on the world stage.
Qin warned the European Union against imposing punitive measures again Chinese companies over Russia, saying it would take action to protect their interests.
Referring to discussions within the EU over possible restrictions on eight Chinese companies, he said that if punitive action was taken, “China will also take the necessary response to firmly protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies”.
Chinese and Russian companies enjoy “normal exchanges and cooperation” which “should not be affected”, Qin said, following talks in Berlin with Baerbock.
China was “firmly against” other countries imposing their own regulations or taking unilateral action against it, added Qin, who is on a European tour also taking in France and Norway.
EU ambassadors are meeting on Wednesday to begin discussions on an 11th round of sanctions over Russia’s war on Ukraine.
© CopyRights RawNews1st
