Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, has called on Hong Kong to prevent Russia from using the financial hub to circumvent Western sanctions. During his visit to Hong Kong, Kuleba emphasized that these sanctions are crucial for weakening Russia’s ability to continue its aggression against Ukraine. The United States and the European Union have sanctioned numerous companies in Hong Kong and mainland China for allegedly evading sanctions and supplying dual-use goods, such as semiconductors, to Russia.
Kuleba highlighted the importance of preserving Hong Kong’s reputation as a highly developed liberal economy grounded in the rule of law. He urged the Hong Kong administration to take measures against Russia’s attempts to bypass these restrictive measures. A spokesperson for the Hong Kong government responded, stating that Hong Kong implements and strictly enforces United Nations Security Council sanctions but is not obligated to follow unilateral sanctions from other countries.
China, a close ally of Russia, has criticized the unilateral sanctions imposed by the West, labeling them as lacking a basis in international law. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Kuleba in Guangzhou, expressing China’s willingness to play a constructive role in future peace talks, although he noted that the conditions were not yet favorable for such discussions.
Western countries continue to pressure China to reduce its support for Russia, accusing it of aiding Moscow’s war efforts through the provision of dual-use goods. China denies these allegations, arguing that the West is fueling the conflict by supplying arms to Ukraine.
Kuleba’s visit to Hong Kong marks the first time a top Ukrainian official has been hosted by China since the Russian invasion began nearly two and a half years ago. This visit underscores the ongoing international efforts to manage the complex geopolitical tensions and the broader implications of the conflict.
Ukraine’s Perspective:
Ukraine urges Hong Kong to prevent Russia from using the city to bypass Western sanctions, stressing that these measures are essential to weaken Russia’s war capacity
Ukraine highlights the importance of maintaining Hong Kong’s reputation as a developed economy that respects the rule of law
Hong Kong’s Perspective:
Hong Kong maintains that it implements and enforces United Nations Security Council sanctions but is not obligated to enforce unilateral sanctions from other countries
Hong Kong officials emphasize their adherence to international regulations while balancing economic and legal obligations
China’s Perspective:
China criticizes unilateral sanctions imposed by Western countries, arguing that they lack a basis in international law and represent “long-arm jurisdiction.”
China expresses willingness to play a constructive role in peace talks, although it believes conditions for such talks are not yet ready
Western Perspective:
The United States and European Union sanction companies in Hong Kong and mainland China for allegedly aiding Russia by providing dual-use goods critical to its defense-industrial base
The West pressures China to distance itself from Russia, accusing it of supporting Russia’s war effort, a claim Beijing denies.