What's happened
On October 18, 2024, the US imposed sanctions on two Chinese companies for their role in developing weapons systems for Russia, specifically drones used in the Ukraine conflict. This marks a significant escalation in US-China tensions amid ongoing military support for Russia.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the US Treasury's sanctions are unprecedented, targeting Chinese firms for directly developing weapons systems with Russian companies. Matthew Miller, a State Department spokesperson, emphasized that this is the first instance of a Chinese company manufacturing a weapon used on the battlefield by Russia. The Moscow Times reported that the sanctions specifically target the Garpiya drone series, highlighting the collaboration between Chinese and Russian defense firms. Meanwhile, the South China Morning Post noted that China has firmly opposed the sanctions, asserting that it does not provide lethal weapons to any party in the conflict. This divergence in narratives illustrates the escalating tensions and differing perspectives on military support in the ongoing Ukraine war.
How we got here
The sanctions come as China and Russia have strengthened ties since the onset of the Ukraine war in 2022. The US has previously targeted Chinese firms for supplying components to Russia but this is the first instance of sanctions against companies directly involved in weapon production.
Common question
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