In a move to enlist China's assistance in ending the activities of Chinese companies allegedly violating sanctions on supplying products with military applications to Russia, European Union (EU) officials are set to inform Chinese diplomats about their plan to blacklist more Chinese entities. The meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, aiming to address the loopholes that have allowed these companies to help Russia evade EU sanctions.

According to sources familiar with the planning, the accused Chinese companies have been purchasing European-made goods that cannot be sold to Russia under the sanctions and then exporting them to Russian military buyers. The EU hopes that by engaging Beijing in these discussions, they can work together to close these loopholes and enforce the sanctions more effectively.

Previous consultations between the EU and China have resulted in the removal of Chinese firms from a draft blacklist after Beijing committed to ceasing the trade. Fu Cong, China's current permanent representative to the United Nations, was previously involved in similar consultations as China's ambassador to the EU. However, Fu has recently taken up a new post in New York, leaving his position in Brussels vacant.

Earlier attempts to address the issue of Chinese entities violating sanctions have led to the blacklisting of three mainland Chinese entities and one from Hong Kong in February. As part of the EU's 13th package of punitive measures aimed at restricting Russia's military capabilities, these entities were sanctioned for flouting EU sanctions. The upcoming discussions regarding the addition of more Chinese entities to the blacklist will be a part of the bloc's 14th package of measures.

Bloomberg, which first reported on the latest list, stated that the Chinese firms involved have provided Russia with satellite images and other technologies. The EU has been concerned about China's supply of dual-use goods to Russia, which have military applications. This concern stems from the EU's support for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia, and they view China's actions as siding with Moscow.

EU-China relations are already under strain, with a series of events in the past week impacting bilateral ties. Raids were conducted by EU officials on the local offices of Chinese surveillance kit maker Nuctech, seeking evidence of state subsidies. Additionally, a separate trade probe was launched to investigate market access for EU firms in China's medical devices sector. Moreover, four German nationals were arrested for allegedly spying for Chinese secret services, including an assistant employed by a high-profile member of the European Parliament.

The timing of the meeting between EU and Chinese officials is crucial, as it coincides with several other engagements involving China. Ma Zhaoxu, the Executive Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs, is set to meet with EU officials in Brussels on Monday. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also expected to visit Paris for talks with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron from May 5th to 7th. Furthermore, reports suggest that Xi might travel to Budapest for talks with Prime Minister Viktor Orban from May 8th to 10th, with a visit to the Serbian capital of Belgrade also potentially on his schedule.

As tensions rise and these various issues complicate EU-China relations, the outcome of the discussions between the EU and China regarding the blacklisting of Chinese entities will be closely watched. Efforts to ensure compliance with sanctions and curb Russian military support will be vital for the EU's strategy in addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.