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NewsweekOct 16
US Sanctions Chinese Companies Accused of Making Russian Drones
Above: The US Treasury building in Washington, DC, US, on Sept. 24, 2024. Image copyright: Stefani Reynolds/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
The US Treasury Department on Thursday sanctioned two Chinese companies it said had aided Russia's production of military drones.
Throughout much of Russia's war in Ukraine, the US accused China of supplying Russia with dual-use commercial goods that could later be used in weapons manufacturing — an allegation Beijing denies. Thursday's announcement was the first time the US accused Chinese firms of direct involvement in procuring weapon parts for Moscow.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Russia's Garpiya drone has been used with brutal effect in Ukraine, destroying critical infrastructure and causing mass casualties. The US took these steps in line with its policy of helping Ukraine defend itself, as well as seeking to put an end to further Russian aggression.
Pro-China narrative
China condemns these unilateral and illegal US sanctions and does not accept these baseless accusations. Unlike other parties in the conflict, the PRC has never provided weaponry to either side and has consistently strived for a fair and peaceful settlement of the conflict.
