WASHINGTON: The US State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies for their involvement in supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This action follows similar sanctions imposed in October 2023 on three Chinese companies accused of supplying missile-related items to Pakistan.
The State Department identified the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry as a key player, stating that it had assisted Pakistan in acquiring equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, and potentially for even larger systems.
The sanctions also targeted Chinese firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, as well as Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese individual, for knowingly transferring equipment restricted under missile technology controls.
State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said that these measures reflect the U.S. commitment to combat proliferation and related procurement activities globally.
In response, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, condemned the sanctions as unilateral and lacking in international legal basis or UN Security Council authorization. He asserted that China would protect the rights and interests of its companies and individuals.
Pakistan’s embassy did not immediately comment on the sanctions.
Earlier in the previous year, the U.S. also sanctioned three Chinese companies—General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd—for their involvement in supplying missile-related components to Pakistan. General Technology was accused of supplying brazing materials used in ballistic missile rocket engines, Beijing Luo Luo for providing machinery used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors, and Changzhou Utek Composite for supplying materials like D-glass fiber and quartz fabric used in missile systems.
These sanctions underscore the U.S. determination to address the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, and to take action against associated procurement activities.
