Tensions Rise as China Urges Swift Removal of Companies from Ukraine’s ‘International Sponsors of War’ List, Prompting Diplomatic Challenges and Economic Considerations
China vehemently urged Ukraine to promptly remove over a dozen Chinese companies from its list of firms designated as “international sponsors of war.” The demand comes on the heels of a Reuters report revealing that China’s ambassador in Kyiv had conveyed concerns to senior Ukrainian government officials last month, warning that the inclusion of these companies could strain bilateral relations.
“China firmly opposes the inclusion of Chinese enterprises in the relevant list and demands that Ukraine immediately correct its mistakes and eliminate negative impacts,” asserted a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, though the statement did not elaborate on the perceived negative impacts. Beijing, while maintaining close ties with Moscow, has refrained from openly criticizing Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations. China has also expressed its willingness to mediate in the ongoing conflict.
Ukraine, on its part, has compiled a list of 48 global companies, including 14 from China, deemed as “international sponsors of war.” These companies, according to Ukraine, are engaged in business activities that indirectly support or contribute to Russia’s war efforts. The blacklist, while lacking legal implications for the listed firms, highlights concerns about extensive cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies in sectors such as oil and gas, which constitutes a primary source of revenue for Moscow.
Following the Reuters report, one of two senior Ukrainian sources disclosed that the Chinese ambassador had conveyed the potential negative impact on bilateral relations but had not set any specific conditions for Ukraine. The second source hinted at a possible connection between the matter and Chinese purchases of Ukrainian grain. Prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion on February 24, 2022, China held the position of Ukraine’s largest trade partner, remaining a significant consumer of Ukrainian grain, sunflower oil, and iron ore.
China’s energy giants, including China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), and China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC), find themselves on Ukraine’s blacklist. While Sinopec and CNOOC did not immediately respond to requests for comment, CNPC emphasized that the list was not a new development.
The National Agency for Corruption Prevention in Ukraine characterizes the blacklist as a “powerful reputational tool” designed to influence global supply chains and encourage international businesses to disengage from Russia. Despite China’s perceived alliance with the Kremlin, Ukraine has been cautious not to provoke the world’s second-largest economy during its conflict with Moscow. The Ukrainian government has consistently appealed to Beijing to join diplomatic efforts for peace.
Ukraine has actively promoted its peace blueprint in various high-level international meetings, with China participating in one such meeting in Jeddah last year but subsequently refraining from attending others. Notably, China was the primary destination for Ukrainian food exports under a UN-brokered grain corridor established after Russia’s invasion, though this corridor is now defunct. Chinese imports accounted for approximately 7.9 million metric tons out of the total 30 million tons transported via that route.
Furthermore, under Kyiv’s new Black Sea shipping corridor established in August, around 30% of Ukraine’s maritime exports, including food, metals, and ore, were shipped to China. With 14 companies on the blacklist, China has the highest representation, followed by the United States, France, and Germany, which have eight, four, and four companies, respectively.
On Tuesday, China announced that Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met with Ukraine’s ambassador to Beijing, exchanging views on common concerns. Sun emphasized the importance of mutual respect and sincerity between the two countries. Despite the diplomatic exchanges, the ongoing dispute over the inclusion of Chinese companies on Ukraine’s blacklist underscores the delicate balancing act Kyiv must maintain to navigate its diplomatic relations amid the complex geopolitical landscape.
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