US blacklists five Chinese firms for allegedly assisting Russian military

• US government has placed five Chinese firms on an export blacklist for allegedly assisting Russia’s military.
• US is concerned about the deepening connections between Beijing and Moscow.
• According to US sources, there is no proof that China has offered military support to Russia before or during Ukraine crisis.

The US government has placed five Chinese firms on an export blacklist for allegedly violating sanctions by giving help to Russia’s military and defence firms prior to and during the invasion of Ukraine.

The Department of Commerce placed the Chinese corporations on an “entity list,” which prohibits US exports to them. Connec Electronic, King Pai Technology, Sinno Electronics, Winninc Electronic, and World Jetta (HK) Logistics are not globally recognised brands.

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“Today’s action sends a powerful message to entities and individuals across the globe that if they seek to support Russia, the US will cut them off,” said Alan Estevez, under-secretary of commerce.

The US is increasingly concerned about the deepening connections between Beijing and Moscow, especially after Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin signed a joint statement in February describing the China-Russia alliance as having “no limits.”

The Financial Times reported in March that China has signalled a willingness to provide military support to Russia, causing Washington to express worry.

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Jake Sullivan, the US national security advisor, and Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, have warned their Chinese colleagues during the past two months that the US would take action if China provided Russia with military equipment or assistance. According to US sources, there is no proof that China has offered military support.