Japan sanctions Chinese companies for supporting Russia's war against Ukraine
Illustrative photo (Getty Images)
Japan has implemented trade restrictions on Chinese companies as part of a new round of sanctions targeting individuals and groups supporting Russia's war in Ukraine, according to Reuters.
The new sanctions also target companies from India, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this marks the first instance of Japan imposing sanctions on Chinese companies in connection with the war in Ukraine. Among the sanctioned companies are Hong Kong-based Asia Pacific Links Ltd, which supplied microchips for Russian drones, and China’s Yilufa Electronics Limited.
These sanctions, in line with previous measures implemented by other countries including the US, prohibit Japanese companies from exporting products to these firms.
US officials claim that China supports Russia’s military actions in Ukraine by supplying drones and missile technology for Moscow’s largest military buildup since the Soviet era.
China's stance on war in Ukraine
Beijing maintains an ambiguous stance on the war in Ukraine. While officially declaring neutrality, it refrains from condemning Russia’s actions and does not join Western sanctions. Moreover, Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed support for the idea of a "political settlement" to the conflict.
Western countries, on the other hand, accuse China of aiding Russian aggression. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that China bears responsibility for the consequences of its support for Russia’s actions if it does not change its stance.
