In response to a media inquiry regarding the EU’s adoption of its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, under which two Chinese financial institutions were included, the spokesperson for Mission of China to the European Union said on Friday night local time that China has always opposed unilateral sanctions that lack a basis in international law and have not been authorized by the UN Security Council.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Wednesday that countries such as Brazil, China and India could be hit very hard by secondary sanctions if they continued to do business with Russia.

The European Union agreed to block attempts to revive the Nord Stream gas pipelines and lower a price cap for Russian oil sales, among other measures.

U.S. trade war could harm Iran’s economic lifeline –  but also see potential opportunity in global polarization.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned on Wednesday that countries such as Brazil, China and India could be hit very hard by secondary sanctions if they continued to do business with Russia.

Mark Rutte warned that US President Trump could impose sanctions on India, China, Brazil if they maintain trade with Russia - Anadolu Ajansı

Former prime minister Scott Morrison claims China's charm offensive under Chinese President Xi Jinping is aimed at isolating Australia from the US. Mr Morrison says Beijing has shifted from bullying tactics to flattery,

The 27 EU member states have agreed an 18th sanctions package targeting Russia for invading Ukraine after being blocked for weeks by Slovakia. The sanctions are intended to further reduce Russian revenues from the export of oil to non-EU countries and impact the Russian financial sector.

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to hit buyers of Russian exports with sanctions unless Russia agrees a peace deal over the conflict in Ukraine, potentially complicating Moscow's oil sales to China,

Georgia was the poster child of post-Soviet countries on their way to democracy and freedom. US lawmakers hope a bill will help combat democratic backsliding.

NATO's Mark Rutte cautioned India, China, and Brazil about the economic impact of continued trade with Russia, urging them to push for peace talks. With Trump's backing, Rutte warned of 100% secondary sanctions on nations buying Russian oil and gas.