US sanctions on China over Russia weapons

International Desk: The US has imposed sanctions on the Chinese military over its purchasing of Russian military jets and surface-to-air missiles.

It says such purchases contravene US sanctions on Moscow introduced over Russian actions in Ukraine and alleged interference in US politics.

China recently bought 10 Russian Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and S-400 missiles.

Beijing has not joined in the sanctions imposed on Moscow by the US and its Western allies since 2014.

Relations between the US and Russia deteriorated rapidly after Moscow annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 American presidential election and military involvement in Syria's ongoing civil war increased tensions.

China's Equipment Development Department (EDD) and its head, Li Shangfu, are sanctioned for completing "significant transactions" with Russia's state arms exporter, Rosoboronexport.

The EDD and Mr Li have been added to a Blocked Persons List, meaning any assets they hold in the US are frozen and Americans are "generally prohibited" from doing business with them.

Furthermore, the EDD is denied export licences and excluded from the American financial system.

Washington also blacklisted an additional 33 people and entities associated with Russian military and intelligence.

Agencies


risingbd/Dhaka/Sep 21, 2018/Nasim