China’s Ministry of Commerce issued a strong statement on Monday condemning the United Kingdom’s sanctions imposed earlier in October on eleven Chinese companies for alleged Russia-linked activity, declaring that the measures “harm economic and trade relations” between the two countries and that Beijing will “resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

According to the statement, the sanctioned entities are accused of involvement in Russia’s energy sector and defence supply chains, but China’s commerce ministry said the sanctions are unilateral, “without any basis in international law” and urged the UK to “correct its wrongful actions immediately, withdraw the sanctions against relevant Chinese entities.”

Beijing emphasised that “normal exchanges and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be interfered with or affected,” portraying its stance as protective of legitimate business ties rather than adversarial behaviour, and reaffirming its commitment to strict export controls on dual-use goods.

The diplomatic row follows the UK’s announcement of its “strongest” set of sanctions to date targeting Russia, including energy and oil-industry actors, with London asserting that several Chinese firms facilitated Moscow’s access to key equipment.

Beijing countered that its firms are being unfairly targeted and that the actions threaten wider China-UK business relations and investor confidence.

As trade between China and the UK continues, analysts say this episode may test Beijing’s readiness to press its commercial and legal tools in defence of its firms abroad.

The Chinese statement concluded with the warning that any action harming China’s interests “will be met with a firm response,” signalling that further diplomatic or regulatory measures may follow if the UK does not reverse course.