Beijing announced on Tuesday that it firmly opposes US sanctions against Chinese individuals and legal entities accused by the State Department in Washington of having links to Iranian military programs, AFP and Agerpres report.
The image of a Shahed 136 drone used by the Russians to attack targets in UkrainePhoto: Aleksandr Gusev / Zuma Press / Profimedia
The US imposed sanctions last week against “seven individuals and four entities” in Iran, China, Russia and Turkey, assessing that they facilitated deliveries and financial transactions related to Iran’s military program.
United States accuses Iran of supplying Russia with drones used in Ukraine war; these weapons are also frequently used in Syria.
Tehran denies sending drones to the Russians for attacks against Ukraine, saying it sold a small number of drones to Moscow before the war began.
China says its companies and citizens are being “unreasonably repressed” by US sanctions
A spokesman for China’s Ministry of Commerce told state television CCTV that “The United States has included certain Chinese companies and individuals on the ‘Specially Designated Nationals List’ due to so-called developments in drones and military aircraft.” involving Iran, which China strongly opposes.”
He added that “the United States should immediately stop its unreasonable crackdown on Chinese companies and individuals” and warned that “China will take the necessary measures to firmly defend its legitimate rights and interests.”
Drones have become a central element of the military strategies of Russia and Iran, countries subject to severe sanctions from the Western powers, reminds AFP.
Last week, US Treasury Undersecretary Brian Nelson said that “the continued and deliberate proliferation of Iranian drones allows Russia, its proxies in the Middle East and other destabilizing actors to undermine global stability.”
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