U.S. enforces sanctions on Chinese suppliers linked to Pakistan's ballistic missile program.
The U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies on Thursday, accusing them of involvement in supporting Pakistan's ballistic missile program. In a similar move, Washington sanctioned three China-based companies in October 2023 for supplying missile-related materials to Pakistan.
Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry collaborated with Pakistan to acquire equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems, possibly for larger systems as well.
The sanctions also targeted China-based companies Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi'an Longde Technology Development Co, along with Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, for knowingly transferring equipment restricted under missile technology laws.
Miller emphasized, "Today's actions show that the United States will continue to counter proliferation and procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur."
Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington, responded by stating that "China strongly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction with no basis in international law or UN Security Council authorization," and that China would "firmly protect the rights and interests" of its companies and citizens.
(according to reuters) Pakistan's embassy did not immediately provide a comment.
