The United States Department of State has imposed sanctions on five entities and one individual involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile technology to Pakistan. In a statement released on Thursday by the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, it was revealed that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry collaborated with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, with the possibility of supporting larger systems.
In addition to these actions, three other China-based companies were sanctioned in October 2023 for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan. These companies include Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co., Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co., along with Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, all of whom were accused of transferring equipment in violation of missile technology restrictions.
“As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller emphasized.
The embassies of China and Pakistan in Washington did not immediately provide a response to these developments. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated that they were currently verifying the details of the report.
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, strongly condemned the sanctions, asserting that China “firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorisation of the UN Security Council.” Liu added that China will “firmly protect” the rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals.
