The Chinese Foreign Ministry sharply criticized a new package of US sanctions targeting the Russian war economy, including Chinese companies accused of aiding the invasion of Ukraine. “We call on the United States to stop the indiscriminate, illegal, unilateral sanctions,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian in Beijing on Thursday. She said that China was neither a party nor the cause of the “Ukraine crisis” and that Beijing would act to protect the rights of Chinese companies and citizens. China has forged strong ties with Russia since President Vladimir Putin ordered the invasion of Ukr…