China Protests EU Sanctions on Financial Institutions in Bilateral Trade Talks

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao engaged in a virtual meeting with European Union Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic, facilitating what China described as a “sincere and in-depth exchange” on bilateral economic cooperation and key concerns. The discussion occurred ahead of a Beijing summit commemorating 50 years of diplomatic ties between China and the EU. In a statement released by China’s commerce ministry, Wang also issued a strong protest against Brussels’ inclusion of two Chinese financial institutions in its 18th sanctions package targeting Russia.