Russia-China trade not directed against third parties - Chinese Foreign Ministry

BEIJING. Feb 26 (Interfax) - Trade relations between China and Russia do not affect third parties, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in response to American sanctions against eight companies from China, the Global Times said on Monday.

"Normal trade cooperation between China and Russia is not directed against any third parties and is free from the influence of third parties," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.

She said that China has always taken an objective position on the Ukrainian issue and supports resolving the issue via negotiations.

Last week, the United States published a new package of sanctions against Russia in connection with the situation in Ukraine, which, in this case, included several Chinese companies.