China fears the backlash of economic sanctions against Russia

Published on : 12/03/2022 – 16:38

Following promises of secondary sanctions from the US Treasury Department in the event of support for Russia, China threatens to retaliate forcefully if these are applied to it because of its link with Russia.

With our correspondent in Beijing, Stephane Lagarde

« If Westerners continue to pressure Chinese companies, the Chinese government will take decisive countermeasures “Said the spokesperson for Chinese diplomacy. An official position of firmness which contrasts with the concerns of the economic world, because many are reluctant to support the Russian economy, for fear of sanctions by ricochet.

If China had used secondary banks to counter the sanctions once morest Iran, this time the exchange rate risk seems too great. Chinese smartphone makers have seen their exports to Russia plunge, as the ruble plummets. Sanctions prevent Chinese companies from profiting from the exodus of Western brands.

►Also read: How does China react to the sanctions once morest its Russian partner?

Same scenario for aircraft spare parts: Airbus and Boeing have stopped their deliveries to Russian companies. However, according to the Russian civil aviation administration, China would have refused to supply them with second-hand parts.

« China must not let its fate be tied to that of Vladimir Putin “, assures Hu Wei in a remarkable forum. While still a minority voice in the chorus of criticism once morest the West and pro-Russian backers, the vice president of the Chinese government’s public policy research center says backing Russia would lead to isolation of China and a strengthening of the influence of the United States. The impact of the escalation of Western sanctions might lead to collateral damage posing structural risks to Chinese ambitions.

On his social media, People’s Daily published this Saturday March 12 the photo of a freight train which left the previous day the province of Gansu, in the Chinese northwest, for Hamburg in Germany. However, some believe that Russia’s war in Ukraine threatens to cut off, at least temporarily, the ” new chinese silk roads to Europe.