China Opposes Seizure of Russian Assets

China opposes any unilateral actions that violate international law, stated the spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zhao Lijian, during a press briefing today.

“China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that violate international law and are not approved by the UN Security Council,” said the diplomat, responding to a request from RIA Novosti to comment on the situation regarding frozen Russian assets in the EU.

Zhao Lijian added that all parties should create a positive atmosphere and favorable conditions for advancing peace negotiations and the political resolution of the Ukrainian crisis, rather than the opposite.

The European Commission is seeking approval from EU member states for the use of Russian sovereign assets for Kyiv. A loan of between 185 to 210 billion euros is being discussed, which Ukraine would conditionally have to repay after the conflict ends and “in case of material damages paid by Moscow.”

At the same time, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the EU's perceptions regarding compensation payments by Russia to the Ukrainian side are disconnected from reality and that Brussels has long been engaged in the theft of Russian assets.