New U.S. anti-Russia sanctions target Chinese entities that sell dual-use products to Moscow
By richardbrown // 2024-05-06
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The Department of the Treasury has unveiled a list of sanctions against nearly 300 entities, targeting these groups and individuals believed to be aiding Russia to circumvent existing sanctions related to the special military operation in Ukraine, with a focus on products originating from China. According to a press release from the Treasury Department, these sanctions target a wide range of actors who have facilitated Russia's acquisition of crucial technology and equipment from abroad. Notably, the focus is on so-called dual-use items originating from China, with 20 companies based in China and Hong Kong named in the sanctions list. Additionally, companies in Turkey, Belgium, Azerbaijan, Slovakia and the United Arab Emirates are among those targeted. (Related: U.S., other countries impose sanctions on over 500 Russian economic targets to mark the second anniversary of war in Ukraine.) Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the significant consequences for companies providing support to Russia's war efforts, stating that these sanctions underscore the U.S. commitment to imposing penalties on such entities. The newly imposed sanctions represent an unprecedented effort to undermine Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as its biological and chemical weapons programs. For instance, companies involved in producing precursor materials for Russia's explosives manufacturing are specifically identified. The announcement of new sanctions comes around a week after Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to China where he raised concerns regarding Beijing's support for Russia's actions in Ukraine. Blinken pointed out that Russia's military capabilities would be severely impacted without China's assistance, particularly highlighting China's role as a top supplier of dual-use technologies to Russia's defense sector. He also emphasized the long-term threat posed by China's support to Russia's defense industry, a concern shared by many European nations. Additional sanctions against China could be imposed if the flow of dual-use goods and technologies to Russia continues. These goods include items such as semiconductors, machine tools, chemical precursors, ball bearings, and optical systems.

Sanctions aim to target Russian military-industrial complex

Among the Chinese entities targeted are a Chengdu-based firm accused of exporting drone components to Russia and a Hong Kong-based company accused of supplying parts used in Russian missile systems and unmanned aerial vehicles. In addition to addressing Russia's activities in Ukraine, the sanctions also focus on individuals associated with the death of Russian opposition figure Alexey Navalny, as well as non-Russian entities based in other nations. These measures follow President Joe Biden's recent signing of legislation providing a massive $61 billion military aid package to Kyiv. Yellen emphasized that the sanctions aim to disrupt and undermine Russia's war efforts, particularly by targeting its military-industrial complex and associated evasion networks. Yellen added that these actions complement broader US efforts to support Ukraine's defense. Both the Russian and Chinese embassies in Washington, D.C. have yet to respond to requests for comment on the sanctions. Furthermore, the Department of State has accused Russia of violating the Chemical Weapons Convention by using the choking agent chloropicrin and "riot control agents." Chloropicrin, known for its use in warfare and as a pesticide, can cause severe inflammation of the eyes, nose, and throat, as well as significant respiratory tract injuries. According to the State Department, such chemical use by Russian forces is indicative of their intent to dislodge Ukrainian forces from fortified positions and gain tactical advantages on the battlefield. Watch this video of Alex Christoforou discussing earlier threats by Janet Yellen to sanction China over its alleged support of Russia's ongoing campaign in Ukraine. This video is from the Oldyoti's Home Page channel on Brighteon.com.

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