The United States has imposed sanctions on companies based in mainland China and Hong Kong that supplied military materials in Russia's invasion war against Ukraine. However, financial sanctions against Chinese banks were not included.
According to the New York Times (NYT) and others on the 1st (local time), the U.S. Treasury Department and State Department announced that they would add more than 300 new entries to the sanctions list, including third-country individuals and companies that aided the Russian military industry, as well as individuals and institutions involved in Russia's biological and chemical weapons programs.
The sanctions target includes more than 12 companies based in mainland China and Hong Kong. The U.S. government believes these companies provided Russia with infrared detectors, drone components, and pressure sensors used in missiles. Earlier, Secretary of State Tony Blinken warned during his visit to China at the end of last month, "We strongly demand that Chinese companies stop supplying materials to the Russian military industry. If China does not act, the U.S. will take direct action," signaling sanctions against China. The NYT explained, "The U.S. government has identified that China is increasingly assisting Russia's armament."
In addition, individuals and entities based in Azerbaijan, Belgium, T?rkiye, and the United Arab Emirates, as well as chemical importers located in Russia, were also targeted by the sanctions. The Treasury Department stated, "Support for the Russian military industry enables Russia to continue its war with Ukraine and poses a significant threat to international security," adding, "These sanctions could disrupt and degrade Russia's war efforts."
However, Chinese financial institutions were not included in this round of sanctions. Earlier, on the 23rd of last month, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported that "the U.S. is drafting sanctions to exclude some banks in China from the global financial system" and is considering ways to block Chinese banks' access to U.S. dollars. Such measures are known to be a last resort considered if China continues to support Russia despite U.S. sanctions.
Meanwhile, a bill banning the import of Russian-enriched uranium passed the U.S. Senate the day before. About 20% of the nuclear fuel used in U.S. reactors is supplied through enrichment contracts with Russian suppliers. The bill also includes $2.7 billion in government funding to avoid Russian uranium and promote domestic uranium self-sufficiency in the U.S.
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