OREANDA-NEWS. Chinese companies could face harsh measures if they do not want to join the anti-Russian sanctions. This was stated in an interview with The New York Times by US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

She said if Washington discovers that a corporation like Shanghai-based semiconductor manufacturer SMIC is exporting its products to Russia, it will “just be shut down,” preventing hardware and software from being used.

“This will deal a devastating blow to China's ability to manufacture these chips,” Raimondo said.

Earlier, US Deputy Secretary of State Victoria Nuland said that the West is urging China to back off from neutrality on the situation in Ukraine.

Prior to this, the head of EU diplomacy, Josep Borrell, said that he had appealed to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi with a request to use Beijing's influence to achieve a ceasefire in Ukraine.

“I had a long conversation with the Chinese minister. In my opinion, we are not talking about mediation. But it is clear that China has influence over Russia. We discussed the current situation, its causes, its possible continuation… I asked China to play a possible role and be part of the diplomatic efforts for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations… Obviously, China can play a role,” Borrell said.