BEIJING – China has urged the European Union to immediately cease listing Chinese enterprises in the EU's 19th package of sanctions against Russia, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.

Despite China's repeated negotiations and dissuasion efforts, the EU has refused to change course, once again listing Chinese enterprises in its 19th package of sanctions against Russia, and imposing sanctions on large Chinese oil refineries and traders for the first time, a ministry spokesperson said on Thursday in response to media inquiries.  

The spokesperson expressed China's strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to these moves.

China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a legal basis in international law or the authorization of the United Nations, the spokesperson pointed out.

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The EU's actions run counter to the spirit of the consensus reached between the leaders of China and the EU, seriously undermine bilateral economic and trade cooperation, and impact global energy security, said the spokesperson.

China urged the EU to immediately stop listing Chinese enterprises in such sanctions, and warned it against going further down the wrong path.

China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese enterprises, as well as its energy security and economic development, the spokesperson added.