China has strongly criticized the latest US sanctions, labeling them “illegal” and based on unfounded accusations. On October 18, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning addressed the sanctions imposed by the US on two Chinese companies accused of supplying drone engines and components to Russia. The US alleges that these companies provided critical technology that has enabled Russia to carry out drone attacks on Ukraine during the ongoing conflict. In response, Beijing has firmly denied any involvement in supplying lethal weapons to either side of the war and insists that it follows strict controls on dual-use items, including drones.
The US sanctions are the latest in a series of measures aimed at curbing Russia’s military capabilities, but they have also escalated tensions between Washington and Beijing. Relations between the two superpowers are already strained due to a variety of geopolitical issues, including trade disputes, security concerns, and the war in Ukraine.
The US Treasury announced sanctions on October 17 against two Chinese companies, claiming that they were involved in developing and supplying Russia with drones or components used in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). According to the Treasury’s statement, this is the first time the US has imposed sanctions on Chinese entities for “directly developing and producing complete weapons systems” in collaboration with Russian companies. The sanctions are part of Washington’s ongoing effort to weaken Russia’s military capabilities amid the ongoing war in Ukraine, where drones have played a crucial role in Russian attacks.
The US government has long been concerned about China’s ties to Russia, especially since the invasion of Ukraine in early 2022. Washington has........