EU wants to penalise China for doing business with Russia - FT

The European Union is seeking to tighten its economic screws on Russia by sanctioning Chinese companies that conduct trade with Moscow. The list includes two mainland Chinese companies, 3HC Semiconductors and King-Pai Technology, and five from Hong Kong, including Sinno Electronics, Sigma Technology, Asia Pacific Links, Tordan Industry, and Alpha Trading Investments. To take effect, the new sanctions need to be unanimously approved by all 27 EU member states. The businesses have reportedly been accused of selling equipment that could be used by Moscow in weapons manufacturing. The EU has so far imposed 10 rounds of economic sanctions against Russia over its military operation in Ukraine.

EU lawmakers are considering targeting third countries that re-export goods to Russia, thus helping Moscow to circumvent trade restrictions. China has proposed a 12-point peace plan in February, but Josep Borrell dismissed it as “wishful thinking” and insisted that any peace plan must be based on Kiev’s demands.