China vows ‘necessary measures’ to defend investors amid Western pressure to take sides in Russia-Ukraine war

China has called for diplomacy and negotiation over the conflict and has sought to maintain normal trade relations with both countries

China’s imports from Russia rose by 26.39 per cent to US$7.84 billion despite Western sanctions imposed following the invasion of Ukraine at the end of February

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In March, China’s trade with Russia rose 12.76 per cent year on year to US$ 11.67 billion, while the growth in the country’s total imports and exports was 6.1 per cent, according to Chinese customs data. Photo: AFP

Published: 6:56pm, 14 Apr 2022Updated: 10:04pm, 14 Apr 2022

China hit back at Western pressure to choose a side in the prolonged Russia-Ukraine war, with Beijing insisting it will take “necessary measures” to defend the legitimate interest of Chinese investors.

Western sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine have already caused disruption to China’s normal trade with its northern neighbour, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Some foreign businesses have also violated market rules by forcing Chinese enterprises to choose a side in the conflict, it added.

We oppose any ban or restriction on China’s normal trade activities with other countries

Shu Jueting

“China has been firmly opposing long-arm jurisdictions and unilateral sanctions which are not authorised by the United Nations Security Council or supported by international laws,” Ministry of Commerce spokeswoman Shu Jueting said on Thursday.

“We oppose any ban or restriction on China’s normal trade activities with other countries.”

China has continued to import crude oil from Russia despite growing sanctions led by the United States and the European Union.

But China’s crude imports dropped by 14 per cent year on year to 42.7 million metric tonnes in March, as international prices spiked following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.