Copyright © 2024 Euromaidanpress.com

The work of Euromaidan Press is supported by the International Renaissance Foundation

When referencing our materials, please include an active hyperlink to the Euromaidan Press material and a maximum 500-character extract of the story. To reprint anything longer, written permission must be acquired from [email protected].

Privacy and Cookie Policies.

China condemns US sanctions on drone makers, claims it’s not arming Russia

China claims non-involvement in what it calls the “Ukrainian crisis” and its strict control over dual-use goods exports.
china condemns us sanctions drone makers claims it's arming russia chinese foreign ministry spokesperson mao ning chinanewscom communism tyoyka ming huing
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning. Screenshot: chinanews.com
China condemns US sanctions on drone makers, claims it’s not arming Russia

China has strongly criticized the United States for imposing new sanctions on drone manufacturers accused of collaborating with Russia, while firmly denying any transfer of lethal weapons to Moscow.

The US’ October 17 sanctions mark the first time the US has targeted Chinese entities directly involved in weapons production for Russia. China has previously provided indirect support to Russia by supplying dual-use technologies such as microelectronics, drones, and geospatial intelligence, raising Western concerns, with earlier sanctions targeting Chinese suppliers of dual-use goods to Russia.

At a press conference on 18 October, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China “resolutely opposes the US’s imposition of illegal unilateral sanctions on Chinese companies” and “absolutely does not accept the US’s groundless accusations and pressure,” as reported by China News.

Mao Ning claimed that China “is not the creator or party to the Ukrainian crisis” – Beijing’s traditional term for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. She claimed that China “has never provided lethal weapons to either side of the Russia-Ukraine conflict” and “strictly controls dual-use items, including drone exports.”

The spokesperson further asserted that China opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes and has allegedly been playing a constructive role in promoting a political solution.

US sanctions

On 17 October, the US Department of Treasury sanctioned three entities and one individual involved in developing and producing Russia’s Garpiya drones, deployed in its war against Ukraine.

Reuters: Russia has secret war drones project in China

The Treasure says the drones are manufactured in collaboration with Chinese firms, with components produced in China and transferred to Russia for military use. This marks the first time the US has targeted Chinese entities directly involved in weapons production for Russia.

Mao Ning urged the US to “immediately stop smearing and pressuring China over the Ukraine issue” and to cease “abusing illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction against Chinese entities and individuals.”

Previously, on 28 September, The Times reported that NATO had evidence of weapons being supplied to Russia by Chinese companies, referring to an anonymous source.

Related:

You could close this page. Or you could join our community and help us produce more materials like this.  We keep our reporting open and accessible to everyone because we believe in the power of free information. This is why our small, cost-effective team depends on the support of readers like you to bring deliver timely news, quality analysis, and on-the-ground reports about Russia's war against Ukraine and Ukraine's struggle to build a democratic society. A little bit goes a long way: for as little as the cost of one cup of coffee a month, you can help build bridges between Ukraine and the rest of the world, plus become a co-creator and vote for topics we should cover next. Become a patron or see other ways to support. Become a Patron!

To suggest a correction or clarification, write to us here

You can also highlight the text and press Ctrl + Enter

Please leave your suggestions or corrections here



    Euromaidan Press

    We are an independent media outlet that relies solely on advertising revenue to sustain itself. We do not endorse or promote any products or services for financial gain. Therefore, we kindly ask for your support by disabling your ad blocker. Your assistance helps us continue providing quality content. Thank you!

    Related Posts