China asks EU to stop undermining Chinese companies

China urged the European Union on Friday to stop undermining the legitimate interests of Chinese companies without factual basis, vowing to take necessary measures to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of its companies overseas.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian made the remarks after the EU on Friday approved the 18th sanctions package against Russia due to the Ukraine crisis, with two Chinese banks targeted as the bloc seeks to curb Moscow's ties with international partners.

There is also an expanded transaction ban on dealings with Russian banks and more restrictions on the export of "dual-use" goods.

China always opposes unilateral sanctions that are not supported by international law or authorized by the United Nations Security Council, Lin told a regular news conference.

China has never provided lethal weapons to the parties concerned in the Ukraine conflict and strictly controls the export of dual use items, Lin said.

Normal exchange and cooperation between Chinese and Russian enterprises should not be disturbed or affected, he said.