Gov't summons US ambassador over sanctions move

BEIJING (AP):

China's foreign ministry yesterday summoned the United States ambassador to deliver a strong protest against economic sanctions lodged over the purchase of Russian fighter jets and surface-to-air missile equipment.

The ministry's statement issued via state media gave no details, although the ministry earlier demanded the sanctions be revoked.

China's purchase of the weapons from Russia's main arms exporter violated a 2017 law intended to punish the government of Russian President Vladimir Putin for interfering in US elections and other activities.

The action triggers a visa ban on China's Equipment Development Department and director Li Shangfu, forbids conducting transactions with the US financial system and blocks all property and interests in property involving the country within US jurisdiction.

The Kremlin dismissed the sanctions as an "unfair" move to undercut Russia as a major arms exporter.