China urges EU to stop listing Chinese firms in Russian sanctions

China has urged the European Union to immediately stop including Chinese companies in its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

A ministry spokesperson said in a statement on late Thursday that despite China's repeated consultations and efforts to dissuade the bloc, the EU has once again placed Chinese companies on its sanctions list, targeting major Chinese oil refiners and traders for the first time.

"China has long opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law or authorization from the United Nations," the spokesperson said, adding that the EU's actions seriously undermine bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and threaten global energy security.

Urging the EU to correct its wrongdoing and refrain from escalating tensions, the official said China will take all necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its businesses and ensure its energy and economic security.