Washington. D.C., 2 May 2024 (WAI): The United States implemented sanctions on several companies in China and Hong Kong for their support of Russia’s war in Ukraine as part of a tranche of nearly 300 new sanctions revealed on May 1, 2023, Wednesday.
The sanctions signify the expansion of U.S. efforts to disrupt Russia’s military-industrial complex supply chain. The Biden administration has shown increasing alarm about the weapons technology ties between China and Russia.
The treasury department accused the sanctioned Chinese companies of supplying Russia with infrared detectors. The U.S. claims that Russia is using these items to bolster its military in the war against Ukraine.
Top U.S. officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, have repeatedly warned Chinese officials to restrict the provision of dual-use items to Russia.
Nicholas Burns, Washington’s top Diplomat in Beijing, said on X,
“We said we would act if China did not stop these sales.”
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The Treasury Department hopes for a more substantial impact from sanctions following President Biden’s executive order. Consequently, this order enhanced U.S. authority to target financial firms to aid Russia in evading military technology sanctions.
The Chinese Embassy in the U.S. criticized Washington’s recent sanctions on Chinese entities over the Russia-Ukraine conflict, stating that China firmly opposes these unilateral, illegal actions.
Liu Pengyu, a Chinese Embassy Spokesperson, stated, “We will uphold the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.”
Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson of the Chinese Foreign Ministry, strongly criticizes the U.S. baseless accusations as “hypocritical and highly irresponsible.”
Lü Xiang, a Chinese Research fellow, stated that the Biden Administration is using illegal actions. However, it won’t rescue its failing Ukraine Policy.
Atika Hassan is pursuing her MPhil in International Relations from University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. She loves to explore the fascinating world of international and domestic politics and can be reached out at [email protected]