The United States has taken a significant step by imposing sanctions on more than a dozen companies in China and Hong Kong for their alleged support of Russia's war in Ukraine. This action was part of a larger set of nearly 300 new sanctions that were unveiled on Wednesday.
Top US officials, including Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had previously issued warnings to Chinese authorities, urging them to address China's role in providing dual-use items to Russia. The US claims that these items are being utilized to bolster Russia's military capabilities in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The Treasury Department, in a news release, stated that the sanctions target various entities that have facilitated Russia's acquisition of crucial technology and equipment from overseas sources. In addition to China and Hong Kong, the sanctions also extend to entities in Russia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Slovakia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
The primary objective of these sanctions is to combat sanctions evasion and curb support for Russia's military-industrial complex, as well as its biological and chemical weapons programs. The Treasury Department specifically highlighted its efforts to disrupt the supply chain of precursor materials to Russia, which are utilized in the production of explosives.
