The authorities of Taiwan have tightened the sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus

The Ministry of Economy of Taiwan has included the Russian supplier of iMachine machine tools in the sanctions list. The sellers of high-tech goods were required to ensure that their supplies did not reach Russia through third countries. This is stated in a message on the department’s website.

The Ministry listed the list of countries from which goods can be transported to Russia with great probability. It included Turkey, the UAE, and the countries of Central Asia. The first fine for violating the sanctions regime against Russia and Belarus was increased 15 times, up to one million US dollars.

The department noted that they reacted in this way to publications in the press about the supply of machine tools from Taiwan to the Russian military industry. In January, investigative journalists discovered that Taipei had become one of the largest suppliers of machine tools to Russia. Local machines are worse, but more affordable than their American, European and Japanese counterparts, said The Reporter publication.

The publication cited the story of an anonymous employee of the Taiwan Industrial Association who visited an equipment exhibition in mainland China in 2023. The event was filled with Russian buyers ready to buy machines on the spot and for cash, the text said.

Taiwan joined the Western sanctions imposed against Russia after the invasion of Ukraine. The partially recognized state is one of the largest suppliers of microchips in the world. Due to the restrictions of the authorities in Taipei, the Russian industry has to look for chips on the black market.