War in Ukraine: first extensive EU sanctions against Chinese entities

Businesswoman Li Xiaocui and two entities were sanctioned for helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions taken against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The European Union announced on Monday that it had, for the first time, taken extensive sanctions against seven Chinese entities and personalities. They are accused of helping Russia in its war against Ukraine.

These extended sanctions include a ban on traveling to the EU, a freeze on assets in the EU, but also a ban on any European company financing them, a statement from the 27 said.

One person and two entities were sanctioned for helping Moscow circumvent Western sanctions taken against Russia after its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Li Xiaocui, a Chinese businesswoman, is accused of controlling or representing Chinese companies that have been targeted by European sanctions for helping Russia circumvent Western sanctions.

Sensitive components

Four Chinese companies, including the Xiamen Limbach firm, were also sanctioned for supplying sensitive components for the manufacture of drones, including motors to equip long-range drones, and microprocessors used by the Russian military industry, according to this text.

Xiamen Limbach is also accused of supplying engine components for Iranian-made Shahed drones, also used by the Russian military in Ukraine.

These sanctions are part of a fifteenth “package” of sanctions approved on Friday by the ambassadors of the 27, and officially ratified on Monday by the EU foreign ministers.