US Sanctions Chinese Firms Over Pakistan Missile Program Ties

The U.S. State Department has imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies for their involvement in supplying Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The targeted entities include Beijing Research Institute of Automation, and other China-based firms, as well as Pakistani and Chinese individuals. Sanctions aim to curb procurement activities of concern.

The U.S. State Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and multiple companies for allegedly supplying Pakistan's ballistic missile program. This move comes after similar actions in October 2023 targeting three China-based companies for supplying missile-applicable items.

Department spokesperson Matthew Miller announced that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry was implicated in procuring equipment to test rocket motors for Pakistan's Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, and potentially larger systems. The sanctions also extend to 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 violations of missile technology restrictions.

Miller emphasized, "As today's actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur." Both the Chinese and Pakistani embassies in Washington have yet to respond to requests for comment.

(With inputs from agencies.)