On September 12, the U.S. State Department announced sanctions against a Chinese research institute and several companies for supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This move follows similar sanctions imposed on three Chinese firms in October 2023 for providing missile-related items to Pakistan.
According to U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry helped Pakistan procure equipment for testing rocket motors used in the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, with potential applications for larger missile systems.
Additionally, the sanctions targeted China-based 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 national, for knowingly transferring equipment restricted under missile technology regulations.
Miller emphasized the U.S.’s commitment to act against missile proliferation activities. Meanwhile, Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for China’s embassy in Washington, criticized the sanctions, stating that China opposes unilateral actions without UN Security Council approval and will protect the rights of its companies and citizens.
The Pakistani embassy has yet to respond to the announcement.
