US Sanctions Chinese Firms for Aiding Pakistan's Ballistic Missile Program

The US State Department has imposed sanctions on five China-based entities, one Chinese individual, and a Pakistani entity for their proliferation of ballistic missiles to Pakistan. The sanctions target firms and individuals involved in the supply of missile technology, including RIAMB and the National Development Complex.

In a significant move, the US State Department announced sanctions on Thursday against several China-based firms for their role in supplying Pakistan's ballistic missile program. These actions come under the missile sanctions laws, marking a strong stance against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

The sanctioned entities include the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB). The institute has been linked with Pakistan's National Development Complex, which is involved in long-range missile production. Other entities targeted under the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Export Control Reform Act (ECRA) are Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek), PRC individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo), and Pakistani entity Innovative Equipment.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that these actions underscore the US commitment to counter proliferation activities. This is not the first time the US has sanctioned entities for their involvement with Pakistan's ballistic missile program. Previous sanctions included Chinese firms and the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant for supplying critical missile-related items to Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)