Now we're returning to the American sanctions. The delivery of Russian S-400 systems and Su-35 fighters has given ground for Washington to impose so-called secondary sanctions against China.
Our correspondent Alexander Khristenko will tell us about how the US tries to pressure other countries to force them to stop working with Moscow.
To talk in front of the camera about a new round of anti-Russian sanctions, which, in fact, have become anti-Chinese, was a thing that not one American politician has the nerve to do for some reason. A senior official of the State Department talked to the press on condition of anonymity. The official tried to explain why the US is imposing sanctions against the Department for Training and Supply of the Central Military Commission of China and its leader Li Shanfu. The sanctions include a ban on conducting transactions with American banks and even receiving visas. All this is only on the grounds that Beijing acquired Russian weapon systems.
"Russia supplied China with Su-35 fighters and S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems. Our actions are not aimed at undermining the military capabilities and combat readiness of any country. They're aimed at Russia incurring losses".
The casuistry in wording is an attempt to cover up the fact that Washington is interfering in the affairs of sovereign countries — it dictates what weapons they need to buy and how to develop their national security in general. The fact that a powerful China was chosen as the target for the sanctions is also an attempt to intimidate other states, including NATO allies. After all, Turkey also ordered the S-400 Triumph system. According to the State Department official, the USA is aiming at such big contracts.
"We do not care about the simple delivery of spare parts or maintenance, we focus on much more expensive contracts that imply the delivery of qualitatively different equipment from Russia".
Because of Turkey's decision to buy the S-400 from Russia, Washington has already postponed deliveries to Ankara of its fifth-generation F-35 aircraft. Apparently, they fear that the meeting of the Russian air defense system, even in a mock battle, and the widely advertised US stealth aircraft, could undermine its reputation and sales, which is critical because the F-35 has become the most expensive fighter in history — the USA spent $400 billion on its development. This year, the military asked for another $16 billion to upgrade its computer systems.
The S-400 may also negatively affect the sale of the US Patriot air defense system. Russian weapons often surpass American counterparts, all at a fraction of the cost. Therefore, sanctions are also an attempt to remove a dangerous competitor from the market.
The USA also placed 33 officials on a blacklist. The officials are linked to the Russian military-industrial complex. All of this is within the framework of the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act. The document mentions three countries: Russia, Iran, and North Korea. But judging by the latest events, any countries can be added to the list of "adversaries", even yesterday's allies.
Alexander Khristenko, Nikolai Koskin, Vesti, Washington, USA.
