China to take 'necessary measures' after US curbs

China on Thursday said it would take "necessary measures" after the United States announced fresh sanctions aimed at crippling Russia's military and industrial capabilities, punishing companies in China and elsewhere that help Moscow acquire weapons for its war in Ukraine.

In a sweeping package announced on Wednesday, the US treasury department targeted nearly 300 entities in Russia, China and other countries accused of supporting President Vladimir Putin's invasion. "The Chinese side urges the US to stop smearing and containing China and stop wantonly implementing illegal and unilateral sanctions," a foreign ministry spokesman said in a message to AFP.

"China will take all necessary measures to resolutely uphold the legal rights and interests of Chinese companies," he added.


US treasury secretary Janet Yellen said that her department had "consistently warned that companies will face significant consequences for providing material support for Russia's war", and that its "actions will further disrupt and degrade Russia's war efforts".

As part of the measures, the US state department also blacklisted individuals and companies involved in Moscow's energy, mining and metals sectors.