China backs Russia as EU sanctions uncertain

China has stated that additional EU sanctions against Russia, which has been accused of sending troops into Ukrainian territory, would only complicate the crisis, Reuters reported, citing a Chinese ministry spokesman. The European Union on Sunday threatened Russia with new trade sanctions, but sharp divisions among leaders at a summit in Brussels left the timing of any measures uncertain. China has adopted a cautious approach to the crisis. “A political solution is the only way out, sanctions do not help to solve the underlying problems in Ukraine,” Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Qin Gang said. “It may lead to new and more complicating factors.”