On October 17, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced sanctions against two Chinese companies, alleging that they directly assisted Russia in manufacturing long-range attack drones used in the war against Ukraine. This marks the first time the U.S. has sanctioned Chinese manufacturers of drone engines and components for collaborating with Russian firms on the “development and production of complete weapon systems.”

According to the Treasury’s statement, the “Garpiya” drones have been employed by Russia in its brutal conflict with Ukraine, causing significant destruction of vital infrastructure and leading to widespread casualties. These drones, designed and developed by experts from the People’s Republic of China, are produced in factories based in China in collaboration with a Russian defense company already under U.S. sanctions. They are then transferred to Russia for use in its invasion of Ukraine.

Senior officials from the Biden administration indicated that the U.S. has previously accused China of providing substantial support to Russian military operations to sustain the Kremlin’s war effort in Ukraine. The latest round of sanctions targets the “direct activities” between Beijing and Moscow. One anonymous official commented on the sanctions prior to the announcement.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the Russian “Garpiya” series of long-range attack drones was “designed and produced in collaboration with Chinese defense companies,” and they have been used to devastate critical infrastructure and result in significant casualties during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

The sanctioned companies include Xiamen Limbach Aero Engine Co., accused of producing engines for Russian drones, and Redlepus Vector Industry, which allegedly supplied engines, automated data processing components, and electrical parts to Russia.

Biden administration officials revealed that these two Chinese companies have been collaborating with Russia on the development of long-range attack drones since the beginning of this year.

Additionally, the U.S. government imposed sanctions on Russian national Artyom Yamshchikov, who is the CEO and beneficial owner of TSK Vektor, along with his company TD Vector, which played a role in the transportation efforts. Yamshchikov also manages and owns TD Vector.

In response to the accusations, the Chinese embassy in the U.S. labeled the allegations as baseless. A spokesperson stated that trade between China and Russia is “open and above board,” in compliance with World Trade Organization rules and market principles. Liu Pengyu, the embassy spokesperson, emphasized that China has always approached military exports with prudence and responsibility, maintaining strict controls over dual-use items, including civilian drones.

He further voiced China’s opposition to “illegal and unreasonable unilateral sanctions and so-called long-arm jurisdiction.” In highlighting Washington’s ongoing military support to Ukraine, he described the U.S. stance as “extremely hypocritical and irresponsible.”