China asks EU to refrain from sanctions on firms collaborating with Russia
China has urged the European Union not to impose sanctions on companies suspected of aiding Russia in the production of drones used in the war against Ukraine, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has said, Ukrinform reported on Nov. 26.
Cooperation between Chinese and Russian companies is not targeted at any third party, and "no third party should interfere or impose sanctions," according to the diplomat.
Mao Ning stressed that China is committed to promoting peace talks between Ukraine and Russia and has never provided weapons to either side. She also stated that China controls the export of dual-use items, such as drones for civilian use, and opposes the use of civilian drones for military purposes.
The spokesperson noted that most countries, including the United States and European countries, continue to maintain trade relations with Russia while calling on China to restrict trade with Russia.
"We call on the EU to refrain from applying double standards and arbitrarily imposing sanctions on Chinese companies, to respect China, and to lay the blame on China," she said.
The German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine, citing sources, reported on Nov. 15 that the EU is considering the possibility of imposing sanctions on China due to Russia's supply of weapons for the war against Ukraine.
The German tabloid Bild reported on Nov. 18 that the German government believes that China's leadership is providing support with unmanned aerial vehicles to Russia.
Bloomberg, citing a communiqué draft, reported on Nov. 25 that the G7 countries intend to increase pressure on China and "take appropriate measures" for its support of Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Chinese drones for Russia
Bloomberg reported on July 3 that Chinese and Russian companies are developing and testing a strike drone similar to the Iranian Shahed drone used by Russia in its war against Ukraine.
Reuters reported on Sept. 13 that Russia began producing a long-range kamikaze drone with a Chinese engine called Garpia-A1 in 2023.
As journalists found out, Garpia-A1 is similar to the Iranian Shahed but has several distinctive features, including a unique wing and engines.
The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on Oct. 17 on three companies and one individual involved in the production of Garpia drones for the Russian army.
Under the new U.S. sanctions, companies include Chinese firms Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine, which manufactures L550E engines for Garpias, and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen — an intermediary in the supply of UAVs to Russia.
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