Here is the original article (in German).
China, including Hong Kong, is responsible for 80% of the sanctions circumvention against Russia, but denies any involvement.
This is stated in an internal report of the German Ministry of Foreign Affairs […]
The document states that the EU sanctions have had a significant impact on the Russian economy, in particular by restricting exports of military goods through Armenia, Serbia, Uzbekistan and India. At the same time, problems persist with Kazakhstan, the UAE and Turkey, which do not provide complete data on export suspensions.
At the meeting, EU Sanctions Commissioner David O’Sullivan stressed that China, including Hong Kong, plays a key role in circumventing sanctions. However, Beijing denies any involvement in this. At the same time, the participation of EU companies in these schemes also weakens the European Commission’s position in negotiations with third countries.
The document also reports on the EU’s success in fighting Russia’s “shadow fleet”. O’Sullivan called for decisive action against the ports in Turkey, India and Malaysia that serve these vessels.
From Russias view China is also supporting their enemy by providing material to Ukraine and NATO countries that supply Ukraine.
In 2024 China remained largest import origin for Ukraine at $17 billion.
Biggest import categories in 2024 are electronics, machinery and aircraft. It is safe to assume a substantial part of this to have went into Ukrainian defense.
https://tradingeconomics.com/ukraine/imports-by-country
https://tradingeconomics.com/ukraine/imports/china
In terms of trade i would argue China to be indeed neutral. When it comes to diplomatic cover and Chinese mercenaries being employed by Russia, China is supporting Russia beyond being neutral.
If they were open about trading with Russia and publicly exclaimed they do not want to be a part in this and choose to trade like they did before the war they would be neutral and EU wouldn’t have much to complain about. But that is not the case, they lie about their business with Russia and therefor aren’t neutral but ‘neutral’ if you get what I mean.