US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies accused of helping make Russian attack drones

Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Treasury Department has announced sanctions against two Chinese companies accused of directly helping Russia build long-range attack drones used in the war in Ukraine. The department said Thursday that it’s the first time the U.S. has imposed penalties on Chinese makers of drone engines and parts for “developing and producing complete weapons systems” in collaboration with Russian companies. The U.S. has previously accused China of providing material support to Russia’s military-industrial base. Senior Biden administration officials say the latest round of sanctions seeks to target the “direct activity” between Beijing and Moscow. The Chinese Embassy in Washington has called the U.S. accusations “false” and says China’s trade with Russia is “open and aboveboard.”