China threatens retaliation after EU weighs sanctions for Beijing's military aid to Russia

China on Tuesday said it would react "strictly and strongly" should the European Union slap sanctions on Chinese companies accused of selling equipment for Russia to use in its ongoing war against Ukraine. Foreign Minister Qin Gang said China would "take the necessary response to firmly protect the legitimate interests of Chinese companies." German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang address the media during a press conference on May 9, 2023, in Berlin, Germany. Following talks in Berlin with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, Qin said Chinese and Russian companies enjoy "normal exchanges and cooperation" which "should not be affected." As first reported Sunday by The Financial Times, the EU has proposed sanctions on Chinese companies accused of selling equipment that could be used in weapons to support Russia's war machine.