The United States has put sanctions on two Chinese companies and a Russian affiliate for their part in making and sending attack drones. These drones are thought to have been used against both military and non-military targets in Ukraine causing damage to key buildings and hurting both soldiers and regular people.
The US Treasury Department said that one of the Chinese companies‚ Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co Ltd makes the engine that powers Russias long-range Garpiya drones. The other Chinese company Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co Ltd‚ was involved in sending the drones. A Russian person and company linked to these firms were also hit with sanctions.
A US State Department person Matthew Miller said‚ “These are the first US sanctions put on PRC entities directly developing and producing complete weapons systems with Russian firms“ (PRC stands for Peoples Republic of China). A top US government worker added that what these Chinese companies did goes against what the Chinese government has said in private about its plans.
The Chinese embassy person in Washington‚ Liu Pengyu‚ said China is against sanctions and is being responsible with its military exports. He also said‚ “The US makes false accusations against Chinas normal trade with Russia: while it keeps giving lots of military help to Ukraine. This is typical double standard and very hypocritical and irresponsible“
These moves come as Russia and other countries including China work more closely together. This has made it harder for Washington to stop Russias war effort in Ukraine which keeps going as Russian forces move forward in the east.
Joe Biden is going to Germany to talk with European friends about Ukraines war plan. Volodymyr Zelenskiy is pushing a “victory plan“ that he hopes will end Russias invasion which started about 3 years and 8 months ago.
Putin and Xi are expected to meet at the BRICS summit in Russia from 10/22/24 to 10/24/24. Washington is watching for signs of more teamwork between them