US government on Monday imposed a series of sanctions on 11 Chinese and 5 Russian companies, targeting foreign players deemed likely to threaten national security and draw Beijing’s ire, according to CNBC.
Hong Kong-based exporter Asia Pacific Links, three Finnish freight, warehousing and logistics companies, three Russian organisations and a German industrial equipment manufacturer have been hit by new US sanctions. These companies were accused of participating in a scheme to circumvent US export restrictions by supplying drone components to the previously blacklisted Special Technology Centre in St. Petersburg, Russia.
The US added 28 companies to the banned list on Monday. The US Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security accused eight Chinese companies of buying or attempting to buy US drone equipment for Iran, while two Omani companies were accused of supporting Houthi militants in Yemen.
This list includes companies that Washington believes threaten the national security of the United States. Recently, companies that develop Chinese technologies, as well as companies that take part in the development of Russian military equipment have massively supplemented this list. Under Secretary of Commerce for Industry and Security Alan Estevez said in a statement:
Our actions send a clear message to those trying to evade our export controls that there will be consequences for behavior that seeks to undermine U.S. national security interests. We will not hesitate to take swift and meaningful action against those who continue seeking to supply and support war in Ukraine.
None of the Chinese companies mentioned made any comment. Apparently, some of the companies were liquidated or had no contact with the public. The Chinese Commerce Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday:
The United States abuses unilateral sanctions and ‘long-arm jurisdiction’ in undermining international trade order and rules, hindering normal international economic and trade exchanges, and harming the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals. The United States should immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies and individuals. China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard its legitimate rights and interests.
