Russia expands entry ban list in response to EU's new sanctions

Russia has substantially expanded its entry ban list of representatives of EU institutions and member states, as well as other European countries, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

The list includes members of law enforcement agencies, government and commercial organizations, and citizens of EU member countries and other Western countries responsible for "supplying military aid to Kiev, facilitating deliveries of dual-purpose products to Ukraine, engaging in activities aimed at undermining Russia's territorial integrity, or organizing blockades against Russian vessels and cargo in the Baltic Sea," said the ministry in a statement in response to the EU's 17th and 18th packages of sanctions against Russia.

It includes representatives of EU bodies, national authorities of EU countries and other European states involved in politically motivated prosecution of Russian officials for alleged "illegal detentions and deportations from Ukrainian territory", those supporting the creation of a so-called "tribunal" against the Russian leadership, and advocates of confiscating Russian state assets or redirecting revenues from them to the benefit of Kiev, it said.

The list also covers individuals responsible for drafting or enforcing anti-Russia sanctions, those attempting to damage Russia's relations with other states, outspoken Russophobic activists and representatives of the academic community, as well as EU and European Parliament deputies who have voted for anti-Russia resolutions and draft laws, it added.

Further sanctions-related decisions by the EU will also be met with a timely and appropriate response, said the ministry.

The Council of the European Union approved the 17th and 18th packages of sanctions on Russia on May 20 and July 18, respectively.

The 18th package of sanctions blacklisted over 50 individuals and entities. The price cap for Russian oil was reduced from 60 U.S. dollars to 47.6 U.S. dollars per barrel. The EU also banned the import of petroleum products made of Russian oil.

Russia expands entry ban list in response to EU's new sanctions

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Beijing on Wednesday for an official visit to China through Saturday.

This visit marks the first trip to China by a Canadian Prime Minister in eight years.

When briefing on the visit of Carney, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson said President Xi Jinping will meet with the Canadian prime minister to provide new strategic guidance for further improving and developing China-Canada relations.

Chinese Premier Li Qiang and Chairman of China's National People's Congress Standing Committee Zhao Leji will hold separate talks and meetings with the Canadian prime minister to conduct comprehensive and in-depth exchanges on bilateral relations as well as issues of mutual interest.

The spokesperson said China looks forward to taking this visit as an opportunity to enhance dialogue and communication, increase political mutual trust, expand practical cooperation, properly manage differences, address each other's concerns and consolidate the momentum of improvement in China-Canada relations to bring greater benefit for the two peoples.

Canadian PM arrives in Beijing for official visit