China Warns Ukraine over Naming its Firms 'Sponsors of War'

Defense News ,Ukraine :- China recently conveyed a stern message to Ukraine, cautioning that their diplomatic ties might suffer repercussions following Kyiv's classification of over a dozen Chinese companies as "international sponsors of war," as disclosed by two senior Ukrainian sources familiar with the situation, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

The warning was reportedly delivered last month during a meeting between China's ambassador to Kyiv and senior Ukrainian government officials. Despite requests for comment, China's foreign ministry, the Chinese embassy in Kyiv, and Ukraine's foreign ministry remained silent on the issue.

While maintaining close ties with Moscow and refraining from criticizing Russia's invasion of Ukraine, China has expressed a commitment to respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. Additionally, Beijing has offered mediation assistance in the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine, however, has taken a bold stance by identifying 48 global companies, including 14 from China, as "international sponsors of war." The Ukrainian government contends that the business activities of these companies indirectly contribute to Russia's war efforts.

According to one source, the Chinese ambassador conveyed concerns about the potential negative impact on bilateral relations due to the blacklist. Notably, China did not impose any specific conditions or temporary frameworks on Ukraine but expressed its viewpoint regarding the contentious list.

The second source suggested a potential link between the matter and Chinese purchases of Ukrainian grain, raising questions about the economic ramifications for Ukraine.

Prior to Russia's full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, China was Ukraine's largest trade partner, remaining a significant consumer of Ukrainian grain, sunflower oil, and iron ore. The current situation has placed strain on these economic ties.

The blacklist, while lacking legal implications for the listed firms, criticizes extensive cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies, particularly in the oil and gas sectors, which constitute the main revenue sources for Moscow.

Promoted by Ukraine's National Agency for Corruption Prevention as a "powerful reputational tool," the blacklist aims to influence global supply chains and encourage the withdrawal of international business from Russia.

Despite China's alliance with Russia, Ukraine has been cautious not to provoke the world's second-largest economy and has repeatedly called on Beijing to support diplomatic efforts for peace. However, China's absence from certain high-level international meetings has raised questions about its commitment to these diplomatic endeavors.

China, previously a vital destination for Ukrainian food exports, has witnessed a decline in trade, especially since the defunct UN-brokered grain corridor established after Russia's invasion. With China having the most companies on the blacklist, Ukraine's Black Sea shipping corridor, established in August, has seen a significant portion of maritime exports directed towards China.

In ongoing diplomatic exchanges, Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Ukraine's ambassador to Beijing, expressing the importance of mutual respect between the two countries while discussing issues of common concern.