China summons US ambassador over arms purchase from Russia

Amid escalating trade tensions, China summoned American ambassador Terry Branstad and recalled its naval chief from the United States to protest against sanctions slapped by the US on Chinese entities for arms purchases from Russia.

Besides postponing a three-day bilateral military dialogue in Beijing, China also warned of further action if the US does not withdraw the sanctions, South China Morning Post reported.

The Chinese government asked the US to review its decision and "immediately correct its mistake, revoke the sanctions."

On Thursday, the United States announced that it sanctioned the Equipment Development Department (EDD) of China's Central Military Commission (CMC) and its Director Li Shangfu for buying Russia's S-400 air defence systems and aircraft in violation of the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA).

Soon after, the Chinese Defense Ministry, while protesting against the imposition of sanctions, issued a statement expressing their "indignation and strong disagreement" to the same.

"[The Chinese military leadership] has already made a representation and expressed protest to the US side," the ministry said in a statement.

(ANI)