US and UK Impose New Sanctions on Chinese and Russian Entities
The United States has announced new sanctions against Chinese and Russian entities involved in the production and delivery of attack drones used in the Ukraine conflict. The sanctions target two Chinese companies, Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co. Ltd. and Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co Ltd., as well as Russian company TSK Vektor and its General Director, Artem Mikhailovich Yamshchikov.
A senior US official stated that these entities are involved in developing the Russian Garpiya series of long-range attack drones, which are manufactured in China and sent to Russia. These drones have been used to destroy critical infrastructure and cause mass casualties in Ukraine.
The US State Department emphasized that this action is part of ongoing efforts to disrupt support for Russia’s military capabilities. The US has previously warned China about this network, countering Chinese claims of ignorance.
Since 2022, the US has sanctioned nearly 100 entities in China and Hong Kong, mostly involved in supplying dual-use items that can be converted into military equipment. Thursday’s sanctions are the first to directly target Chinese entities involved in developing complete weapons systems with Russian firms.
In a related move, the UK announced its largest sanctions package against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banning 18 additional vessels from UK ports, bringing the total to 43. An analysis revealed that China exports over USD 300 million worth of dual-use items to Russia monthly.
Doubts Revealed
Sanctions -: Sanctions are like rules or punishments that countries use to stop other countries or companies from doing something bad. They can include stopping trade or freezing money.
Entities -: Entities are companies or organizations. In this context, it means the businesses in China and Russia that are being punished.
Attack drones -: Attack drones are flying machines that can be controlled from far away and are used in wars to attack targets without putting pilots in danger.
Garpiya drones -: Garpiya drones are a type of attack drone used in the conflict in Ukraine to destroy important places like buildings or bridges.
Shadow fleet -: A shadow fleet is a secret group of ships that try to hide what they are doing, often to avoid rules or sanctions.
Oil tankers -: Oil tankers are big ships that carry large amounts of oil from one place to another. They are important for transporting fuel.
