US continues to 'impose sanctions' on suppliers to Pakistan's ballistic missile programme
1. "Sanctions imposed for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions," says spokesperson
**WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD**: The U.S. Department of State has imposed sanctions on five entities and one individual for their involvement in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile technology to Pakistan.
In a statement issued on Thursday, department spokesperson Matthew Miller said 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 missile systems, as well as potentially larger systems.
In a similar move, the U.S. sanctioned three China-based companies in October 2023 for supplying missile-related items to Pakistan.
The latest sanctions target China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co., Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co., along with Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national. These entities and individuals were accused of knowingly transferring equipment restricted under missile technology regulations, Miller added.
“As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against the proliferation and related procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller said.
Both the Chinese and Pakistani embassies in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
In Islamabad, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch said that Pakistan is currently gathering further details about the U.S. report when asked to comment.
Meanwhile, Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, condemned the sanctions, stating, "China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction without a basis in international law or authorization from the UN Security Council." Liu emphasized that China will "firmly protect" the rights and interests of its companies and individuals.
