China warns US on sanctions
Trump’s executive order over Russia military deal sparks anger
THE Chinese government has called on the US to “correct the mistake” and withdraw new sanctions on the Chinese military over deals with Russia or “bear responsibility for the consequences”.
The Trump administration imposed sanctions on the Chinese military on Thursday for buying fighter jets and missile systems from Russia, in breach of a sweeping US sanctions law punishing Moscow for meddling in the 2016 US election.
In response, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said: “China expresses strong indignation at these unreasonable actions by the US side and has already lodged stern representations.”
Speaking to reporters in Beijing, he said the move seriously harmed bilateral relations and military ties.
“We strongly urge the US side to immediately correct the mistake and rescind the so-called sanctions, otherwise the US side will necessarily bear responsibility for the consequences,” he said, without giving details.
China has “normal” military exchanges and co-operation with Russia, aimed at protecting regional peace and stability, which is not against international law or aimed at any third party, Mr Geng added. China will continue to work with Russia to promote strategic co-operation at an even higher level, he said.
The US State Department said it would immediately impose sanctions on China’s Equipment Development Department (EDD), the military branch responsible for weapons and equipment, and its director, Li Shangfu, for engaging in “significant transactions” with Rosoboronexport, Russia’s main arms exporter.
The sanctions are related to China’s purchase of 10 SU-35 combat aircraft in 2017 and S-400 surface-to-air missile system-related equipment in 2018, the State Department said.
They block the Chinese agency, and Mr Li, from applying for export licenses and participating in the US financial system.
It also adds them to the Treasury Department’s list of specially designated individuals with whom Americans are barred from doing business.
The US also blacklisted another 33 people and entities associated with the Russian military and intelligence, adding them to a list under the 2017 law, known as the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, or CAATSA.
CAATSA also seeks to punish Russia for its aggression in Ukraine and involvement in Syria’s civil war.
Doing significant business with anyone on the US blacklist can trigger sanctions like those imposed on China. Some of those added to the list, which now contains 72 names, were indicted in connection with Russian interference in the 2016 US election, a US official said.
President Donald Trump on Thursday issued an executive order intended to facilitate implementation of the sanctions.
One US administration official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity, said the sanctions imposed on the Chinese agency were aimed at Moscow, not Beijing or its military, despite an escalating trade war between the United States and China.
“The ultimate target of these sanctions is Russia. CAATSA sanctions in this context are not intended to undermine the defence capabilities of any particular country,” the official told reporters.
“They are instead aimed at imposing costs upon Russia in response to its malign activities.”
In Moscow, Russian member of parliament Franz Klintsevich said the sanctions would not affect the S-400 and SU-35 deals.
Security analysts in Asia said the move was largely symbolic, would have “zero impact” on the arms sale and would only push Moscow and Beijing closer together. (© Daily Telegraph London)
‘We urge the US to correct the mistake or bear responsibility for the consequences’