The United States announced sanctions on Thursday targeting two Chinese companies linked to the production of drones used by Russia in its war in Ukraine.
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These are the first American sanctions against Chinese entities “which directly develop and produce complete weapons systems in partnership with Russian companies”, indicated the American Department of the Treasury in a press release.
These decisions concern a total of three companies – two in China and one in Russia – and a Russian citizen, for their alleged involvement in the development and manufacturing of a long-range attack drone.
This drone is designed by experts based in China and manufactured in Chinese factories, in collaboration with Russian defense companies, according to the Treasury Department.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, “this is the first time we have seen that a Chinese company manufactured a weapon itself that was then used on the battlefield (in Ukraine) by Russia.
According to Acting Undersecretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley Smith, “Russia is increasingly relying on the expertise of foreign entities and the importation of advanced technologies to power its weapons program and advance its military campaign against Ukraine.
On the Ukrainian issue, China regularly calls for peace talks. She pledged not to supply lethal weapons to Russia and urged respect for the territorial integrity of all countries.
But it has never condemned Moscow for its invasion and has strengthened its relationship with Russia since the start of the war, notably providing it with valuable economic support in the face of Western sanctions.
Asked on Friday about the American measures, Mao Ning, a spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed Beijing’s “firm opposition” to these “illegal sanctions” and these “unfounded accusations and pressures”.
“China has never supplied lethal weapons to any party to the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, strictly controls dual-use (civilian and military) products, including the export of drones, and opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes,” she said during a regular press briefing. “China will take all necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese businesses and citizens.”
“Phone signal problems”
The Chinese companies targeted are Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co.
An AFP journalist called a telephone number registered as that of the Limbach company on Friday. A man picked up but reported “phone signal problems” before hanging up and no longer responding to calls and messages.
Redlepus did not respond to telephone calls and emails from AFP.
The Russian company targeted by Washington is Limited Liability Company Trading House Vector.
The United States had already sanctioned Chinese firms supplying Russian companies with components used in the manufacture of weapons.
