European Union plans sanctions against China for supporting Russia in war

The European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Chinese companies that support the Russian military-industrial complex.

This information was published by Politico, citing representatives of European institutions.

According to the investigation published by international media, a scheme for supplying Chinese aircraft engines to Russia for attack drones has been revealed. It is known that L550E engines were provided to the Russian IEMZ Kupol plant through fictitious companies, registering them as industrial refrigerators to avoid sanctions control.

This scheme allowed Kupol to significantly increase the production of Harpy-A1 drones, which Russia actively uses to attack Ukrainian cities. The contract with the Russian Ministry of Defense stipulates the production of more than 6,000 drones in 2025, while in 2024, approximately 2,000 were produced.

European intelligence agencies note that after the imposition of sanctions on Xiamen Limbach in October 2024, another Chinese company, Beijing Xichao International Technology and Trade, began supplying engines. The engines were registered through Russian shell companies SMP-138 and LIBSS, which disguised the goods as refrigeration systems to avoid the attention of Chinese customs authorities.

Brussels notes that such assistance to Russia in waging war is entirely unacceptable. The EU emphasizes that such supplies of critical components negatively affect the security of European countries and accelerate the development of Russia’s military capabilities.

This issue is expected to become key during the upcoming visit of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to China, where she will hold talks with President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Li Qiang. Brussels emphasizes that this is not about severing economic ties, but China must strengthen control over customs operations to stop the export of dual-use goods to Russia.

European diplomats say the new sanctions could target specific Chinese companies, as well as financial structures that help circumvent existing restrictions.

China has traditionally said it does not supply lethal weapons to either side of the conflict, and that exports of dual-use goods are strictly controlled. However, Beijing has also expressed dissatisfaction with unilateral sanctions, considering them to have no basis in international law.