"China warns of retaliation as EU considers sanctions over trade and military aid to Russia"

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang warned the EU not to sanction Chinese companies over their potential role in assisting Russia's war in Ukraine. The European Commission added eight Chinese companies to a draft of an upcoming package of sanctions, seen as having circumvented EU sanctions against Russia's procurement of dual-use goods. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock rebuffed the warning, stressing the importance of ensuring that EU sanctions against Russia are not being undermined by circumventions. Baerbock also reiterated her calls on China to respect human rights and to exert pressure on Russia to end its war and withdraw its troops from Ukrainian soil.