TAIPEI, Reuters – There have been no indications that the United States is not complying in Asia regarding Russia’s export control measures. Some companies even use self-sanctioning to avoid sanctions, a top U.S. official stated on Tuesday.

The restrictions were in place for about a week, just a bit more than a year, and there hasn’t been any sign of non-compliance. In fact, we have seen the opposite,” Matthew Borman from U.S. Commerce Department, Assistant Secretary for Export Administration when asked about Asia.

He said that he believed there was also some additional self-sanctioning by Russian multinationals.

Borman stated that major players are aware of the risk they face if they do not comply with US sanctions and fines.

“We are aware that Russia relies on foreign inputs for certain key components like semiconductors. It will therefore be quite obvious if non-compliance is detected. The task is to track it back to its source.”

The Western-led Sanctions Initiative has been joined by Asia’s Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

China is the second largest economy in the world and close friend to Russia. It has repeatedly criticized the sanctions calling them ineffective. However, it insists that the country will continue normal trade and economic relations with China.

Borman stated that the United States has held discussions with Chinese officials in order to clarify the scope of its controls on Russia. The United States could also take enforcement action against any Chinese companies found to be violating the U.S. bans.

In the wake of sanctions, the United States warns of serious consequences if Beijing provides economic support for Moscow or material assistance to Russia.

Earlier in the month, Joe Biden from the U.S. spoke to Xi Jinping about China’s economic future.

Borman stated that “We are always open to working with any government of Asia to explain more fully our actions.”