The European Commission announced on Monday (December 16) that the European Union has approved its 15th round of sanctions to counter Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In addition to sanctioning more Russian shadow fleet vessels, the EU has also escalated its sanctions against Chinese entities and individuals. A European Union diplomat stated that this sends an important signal to the Chinese Communist Party.
The new EU sanctions list includes 84 entities and individuals (30 entities and 54 individuals). This includes seven Chinese entities and individuals, consisting of two entities and one individual that facilitated Russian evasion of EU sanctions, as well as four entities that provided sensitive drone and microelectronics components to the Russian military to support its aggression in Ukraine.
The European Commission stated that “this sanction package marks the first time the EU has implemented ‘comprehensive’ sanctions against Chinese entities (travel bans, asset freezes, and prohibition of economic resources).”
According to Reuters, diplomats stated that previous EU measures against Chinese entities and individuals related to Russian sanctions only involved export controls, not comprehensive sanctions.
A European Union diplomat remarked, “The comprehensive sanctions send an important signal to China, indicating that we take this very seriously.” This indicates the EU’s concern about Chinese companies supporting Russia in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
David O’Sullivan, who is responsible for EU sanctions, and Ukrainian officials pointed out that China is a primary avenue for Russia to acquire foreign technology.
The newly published sanctions list also includes two senior officials from North Korea. This follows actions taken after discussions by the European Council and the Group of Seven (G7) in October regarding third countries’ continued support for Russia’s aggressive war, as well as North Korea’s deployment of troops to Russia.
The European Commission stated that due to Russia’s ongoing search for ways to circumvent the cap on oil prices, the EU is determined to strengthen measures to prevent such evasion. The new set of measures imposes sanctions on an additional 52 vessels in the Russian shadow fleet, increasing the total number of sanctioned vessels in this category to 79. These vessels were found engaged in high-risk activities such as transporting Russian oil or petroleum products, carrying weapons, stealing food, or supporting the Russian energy sector. With the imposition of sanctions, they will be prohibited from entering relevant ports and providing services.
The European Commission said these entities and individuals bear responsibility for actions that undermine the territorial integrity, sovereignty, and independence of Ukraine.
“They are now subject to asset freezes, and individuals under sanctions are also subject to travel bans,” the EU said, noting that the sanction list primarily affects Russian military companies. These companies manufacture aircraft components, drones, electronic products, engines, high-tech components for weapons, and other military equipment. The list also targets some senior executives of companies active in the Russian energy industry (including shipping companies) who provide significant revenue to the Russian government.
The new set of measures also adds 32 companies to the list of companies supporting Russia’s military and industrial complex in launching the war against Ukraine, including 20 Russian companies, seven companies in the China/Hong Kong jurisdiction, two Serbian companies, and one each from Iran, India, and the United Arab Emirates. The EU will now impose stricter export restrictions on dual-use goods and technology as well as advanced technology projects of these companies.