Chinese Foreign Minister Chen Gang has warned that China will "retaliate" any EU sanctions imposed on Chinese companies over their dealings with Russia.
The minister said on Tuesday during his visit to Germany that "China and Russian companies have a normal relationship, a relationship of cooperation, this kind of normal cooperation should not be affected" by possible European sanctions. He said his country would also respond appropriately to protect the "legitimate interests" of Chinese companies.
Britain's Financial Times reported on Sunday that the European Union had proposed sanctions against Chinese companies "for supporting the Russian war machine in Ukraine."
Seven Chinese companies accused of selling weapons-usable equipment have been included in a new package of sanctions to be discussed by EU member states this week.
China's foreign minister said after talks in Berlin with his German counterpart that China "firmly opposes" other countries imposing their own regulations or taking unilateral measures against them.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock told a news conference with her Chinese counterpart that the European Union was working to find ways to prevent circumvention of Russia's sanctions in its negotiations on a new package of measures.
Asked about the blacklisting of a number of Chinese companies, Baerbock said negotiations were ongoing but overall it was important to tackle circumvention of restrictions.
Baerbock also urged Beijing to take a clear stance against Russia, warning that neutrality in war meant standing by Moscow.
"Impartiality means taking the side of the aggressor, which is why our basic principle is to make it clear that we stand with the victim," she said.