In response to the European Union's inclusion of certain Chinese enterprises in its 20th round of sanctions against Russia, the Chinese side has issued a formal response and initiated corresponding countermeasure procedures. The Ministry of Commerce expressed strong dissatisfaction in its latest statement, warning that necessary measures will be taken and stating that all consequences shall be borne by the European side. The statement emphasized that the EU's disregard for multiple Chinese consultations and its unilateral expansion of sanction scope seriously violate the consensus reached by China-EU leaders and damage the overall situation of bilateral relations. Beijing reiterated its opposition to unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction not authorized by the UN Security Council, demanding the EU immediately remove relevant enterprises and individuals from the sanctions list and resolve differences through dialogue.

The sanctions package passed by the EU is the largest bundle of measures in the past two years, adding restrictions on 120 individuals and entities. This includes 58 Russian military-industrial enterprises and 16 third-country entities. Named Chinese companies are mainly involved in electronic technology, aviation technology, and international trade sectors. The EU accuses them of providing dual-use items to Russia or assisting in sanction evasion. Besides Chinese companies, the list covers entities from multiple countries including the UAE and Turkey. The EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy stated that systematic evasion of sanctions by third parties and re-exporting controlled goods to Russia would not be overlooked.

As a direct response, China has placed seven EU entities, including Herstal Company, on an export control list, prohibiting exporters from supplying relevant dual-use items to them. This is not the first confrontation between the two sides on such issues. Previously, during multiple rounds of sanctions, China implemented reciprocal countermeasures after financial institutions and refineries were listed, and there have been instances of mutual removal of some measures. Analysts note that as the Russia-Ukraine conflict enters a new phase, the EU's measures to combat sanction evasion are becoming increasingly tough, activating anti-evasion tools for the first time. China maintains that Sino-Russian trade complies with international law and market rules, denies providing lethal weapons to conflict parties, and regards the EU's actions as political manipulation. Given the continuing divergence in positions, this game of sanctions and counter-sanctions is likely to persist.