Bangladesh, May 22 -- In a pointed rebuke, China has accused the European Union and its Western allies of hypocrisy following the announcement of the EUs 17th round of sanctions against Russia. The new package, which also targets several Chinese companies, drew swift condemnation from Beijing, which warned the West against undermining legitimate trade under the pretext of geopolitical maneuvering.

The latest sanctions, adopted by Brussels on May 20, aim to curb Russias ability to bypass existing restrictions, particularly regarding its so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport crude oil. But what has drawn Beijings ire is the inclusion of Chinese firms accused of supplying drone parts and microelectronics to Russia-claims Ch...