WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Janet Louise Yellen has accused Chinese companies of supplying equipment to the Russian army.
Yellen stated that the US government possesses evidence supporting this claim, and she raised the issue with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng during their two-day meetings. She expressed concern about the evasion of sanctions, allowing equipment to reach the Russian military.
During the discussions, Yellen emphasized that companies should abstain from providing material support to Russia’s defense industry, cautioning of significant consequences if they violate this directive. She underscored the risk of sanctions for any companies found supporting Russia’s military endeavors.
The US government has already imposed sanctions on various private firms, including some in China, suspected of assisting Russia in acquiring equipment, as well as certain financial institutions potentially facilitating these efforts. However, Yellen did not disclose specific company names or provide details regarding He Lifeng’s response.
She clarified that the implicated Chinese firms were private entities, and she did not insinuate that the Chinese government had knowledge of the situation.
