China-EU Showdown: Beijing Vows Retaliation Over Unprecedented EU Sanctions on Chinese Banks for Russia Ties

Tensions have escalated between China and the European Union after the EU, for the first time, sanctioned Chinese banks and companies for allegedly aiding Russia's war effort in Ukraine. Beijing has strongly condemned the move, calling the sanctions unlawful and promising retaliation to protect its economic interests. The sanctions, part of the EU's 18th package targeting Russia, have cast a shadow over the upcoming EU-China summit, with both sides trading sharp diplomatic rebukes. China insists it cannot accept a Russian defeat in Ukraine and accuses the EU of undermining legitimate Chinese business interests. The dispute highlights growing friction over the Ukraine war, global trade, and the complex geopolitical alignment between China, Russia, and the West.