China Opposes G7 Economic Sanctions Against Russia

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Chinese government has expressed a position that is effectively opposed to the Group of Seven (G7) policy of immediately imposing large-scale economic sanctions if Russia invades Ukraine.

Wang Wenbin, spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing on the 15th, "China has consistently opposed unilateral sanctions or threats of sanctions (outside the UN framework) in international relations," adding, "Unilateral sanctions in the current situation only deepen division and confrontation."

Spokesperson Wang stated, "China appeals to all countries to maintain rationality and to promote a comprehensive resolution of the Ukraine crisis and related issues through dialogue and negotiation, and to refrain from actions that provoke tensions and escalate the crisis."

In a joint statement released on the 14th (local time), G7 finance ministers declared, "We will respond swiftly, in an organized and resolute manner, to any military attack by Russia on Ukraine," and added, "We are prepared to impose large-scale and immediate economic and financial sanctions on the Russian economy as a group."

Regarding the U.S. State Department spokesperson's remarks warning that China implicitly supports Russia in the Ukraine situation, Wang said, "Exaggerating and inciting war in the current situation is not a responsible attitude, and a sanctions-only approach does not help ease the situation."

He continued, "We appeal to all countries to create conditions for a political resolution of the Ukraine crisis by ensuring that the new Minsk agreement is steadily implemented through dialogue and negotiation with an equal and open attitude."

The new Minsk agreement refers to the accord signed in 2015 between the Ukrainian government and the pro-Russian separatist rebels in the Donbas region, which declared separation and independence. It is centered on recognizing the special status, including autonomy, of the Donbas region, and is evaluated as a guarantee of Russia's continued influence over Ukraine.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.