China Protests Britain, Sanctions Russian Drones Heat Up Beijing - London Relations

China has lodged a formal protest with Britain after London imposed sanctions on a number of individuals and entities, including from China, accused of supplying drones and important military goods to Russia.

As reported by Anadolu Agency, Thursday, May 7, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said Beijing rejected unilateral sanctions that were considered to have no international legal basis or UN Security Council mandate.

China, Lin said, expressed "strong dissatisfaction" with the British move and had lodged a formal protest with London.

Britain on Tuesday announced new sanctions against 35 individuals and entities based in third countries, including Thailand and China. They are accused of being involved in the supply of drone components and important military goods to Russia.

Lin said China still encouraged peace talks and strictly controlled the export of dual-use goods, which could be used for both civilian and military purposes, related to the Ukraine crisis.

"Normal exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia should not be disturbed or affected," Lin was quoted as saying by Anadolu.

He stressed that China would take necessary measures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.