China denies US accusations it supplied lethal weapons to Russia

By Efe Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - China has denied US accusations that Beijing has been supplying lethal weapons to Russia for use in Ukraine, according to a statement from the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson on Friday.

“China has never provided lethal weapons to any party of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. China exercises strict export control over dual-use articles, including drones, and opposes using civilian drones for military purposes,” Mao Ning said in a daily press briefing in Beijing.

This came as the US sanctioned three organizations and one person based in Russia and China for the development and production of drones allegedly used in Russia’s war on Ukraine.

The sanctioned entities are Chinese-based Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co., Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co., and Russia-based Limited Liability Company Trading House Vector, according to the Treasury Department.

“China firmly opposes the US imposing illegal unilateral sanctions against Chinese companies and does not accept groundless accusation and pressure from the US,” Mao said, urging the US to “immediately stop using the Ukraine issue to smear or put pressure on China or impose illegal unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction on Chinese entities and individuals.”