China has hit out at the European Union over “double standards” over the 27-member bloc’s proposed sanctions against Chinese companies accused of furnishing Russia’s war machine through drone-related supplies.

The EU‘s permanent representatives are meeting on Wednesday to mull a sanctions package, their 15th since Russia launched its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which would mostly target Russian military manufacturers. However, six Chinese firms and a Chinese citizen would be subject to asset freezes and a visa ban, respectively, said Radio Free Europe, which reviewed the draft proposal.

During the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press briefing on Tuesday, spokesperson Mao Ning described the proposed penalties as baseless and unilateral.