Ukraine imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies Friday, escalating tensions with Beijing one day after President Volodymyr Zelenskyy publicly accused China of supplying Russia with weapons, including gunpowder and artillery.
Beijing Aviation And Aerospace Xianghui Technology Co. Ltd, Rui Jin Machinery Co. Ltd, and Zhongfu Shenying Carbon Fiber Xining Co. Ltd were among the entities added to Ukraine's updated sanctions list. All three firms are registered in China, according to the Ukrainian government's publication, which did not specify what actions prompted the designation. Sanctions include asset freezes and a ban on doing business in Ukraine.
The move follows Zelenskyy's comments Thursday in Kyiv, where he stated: "We finally have information that China is supplying weapons to the Russian Federation," and added, "We believe that Chinese representatives are engaged in the production of some weapons on the territory of Russia." Zelenskyy did not present public evidence but said more details would be released soon.
China's foreign ministry rejected the allegations Friday. "China firmly opposes groundless accusations and political manipulation," said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian. "China's position on the Ukraine issue remains consistent and clear. We have worked actively for a ceasefire and to promote peace talks."
While Beijing has maintained that it is not supplying arms to either side in the conflict, its trade with Moscow has surged since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. China and Russia have expanded military cooperation, including joint exercises, and strengthened diplomatic ties through forums such as BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.
A week before the sanctions, Ukrainian officials claimed Chinese nationals had been captured fighting for Russia. Two were reportedly taken prisoner, prompting Kyiv to summon a Chinese diplomat for an explanation. Ukrainian and U.S. officials later said the individuals may have volunteered for financial reasons rather than acting under government orders.
Trade between Ukraine and China stood at nearly $19 billion in 2021, with China importing raw materials and agricultural products from Ukraine and exporting manufactured goods in return. The sanctions come as relations between the two countries grow increasingly strained under the pressures of the prolonged conflict.
In prior months, Beijing had faced similar accusations of indirectly aiding Russia's war effort by supplying drone parts and other components. The Chinese government has consistently denied all such claims, emphasizing its call for neutrality and peace negotiations.
