US sanctions Chinese, Hong Kong firms over alleged Iran military links

The United States has sanctioned a total of nine mainland Chinese and Hong Kong companies and individuals accused of helping Iran’s military.

The decision, which risks complicating Donald Trump’s visit to China next week, was announced on May 8 by the Treasury and State departments, foreign media reports.

A Treasury Department press release said those targeted were “enabling efforts by Iran’s military to secure weapons” or securing “raw materials with applications in Iran’s Shahed-series unmanned aerial vehicles and ballistic missile programme”.

The Chinese embassy in Washington, the foreign ministry and the companies sanctioned have been asked for comment.

The Treasury Department sanctions target five firms and one individual. They include Yushita Shanghai International Trade Company, which is accused of helping Tehran to buy arms.

Meanwhile, Hitex Insulation Ningbo Company is accused of supplying millions of dollars’ worth of materials used in ballistic missile research and flight test launches. Its legal representative, Li Genping, was also sanctioned.

Hong Kong-based HK Hesin Industry Company is accused of working as an intermediary in procurements, while Mustad Limited, also based in the city, is accused of helping Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to buy arms.

Separately, the State Department said on May 8 that it had sanctioned four companies, including three mainland Chinese firms accused of providing satellite imagery that enabled Iranian strikes against US forces in the Middle East.

They include Chang Guang Satellite Technology, which is accused of collecting satellite imagery of US and allied military facilities on behalf of Iran.

The sanctions come just days before Trump’s scheduled visit to China, the first by a US leader since 2017. The visit will last from May 14 to 15, according to the White House. Beijing has yet to confirm the visit.

By Sabina Mammadli