China’s support for Russia in the Ukraine conflict has drawn sharp criticism from the Group of Seven (G7) leaders, who accuse Beijing of enabling Moscow’s war efforts. At the G7 summit in Italy, leaders warned that China’s assistance to Russia’s defense industry has significant security implications and urged China to stop transferring dual-use materials that aid Russia’s military operations. The G7 threatened further sanctions against Chinese entities involved in supporting Russia.
The United States has been actively pushing Europe to adopt a firmer stance on China, highlighting Beijing’s role in aiding Russia’s military production through exports of semiconductors and other materials.
Despite Beijing’s denials and claims of strict export controls on dual-use goods, American officials assert that China’s actions are indirectly bolstering Russia’s capacity to manufacture military equipment. This has led to increased sanctions on Chinese companies by the US and the European Union.
G7 Criticizes China’s Support for Russia in Ukraine Conflict, Threatens Sanctions
China, however, refutes these allegations and criticizes the US for using the Ukraine conflict to target Chinese firms. At a UN Security Council meeting, China reiterated its stance of not supplying weapons to any side and accused the US of smearing China to suppress its companies. The US recently imposed additional sanctions on Chinese firms supplying semiconductors to Russia, further escalating tensions.
The G7’s critique of China extends beyond the Ukraine conflict to broader economic policies. The G7 leaders expressed concerns over China’s industrial practices, which they claim cause global market distortions and harm economic resilience and security.
The EU and the US have responded by imposing new tariffs on Chinese imports, particularly in sectors like electric vehicles and clean-energy products, which they view as unfairly supported by Beijing.
Additionally, the G7 condemned China’s aggressive actions in the East and South China Seas, highlighting dangerous maneuvers against Philippine vessels and the use of maritime militia. China responded by accusing the G7 of political manipulation and maintaining Western hegemony, warning that weaponizing trade relations would backfire on the G7 countries themselves.
