US sanctions Pakistan ballistic missile programme suppliers

The US State Department has imposed sanctions on suppliers including a Chinese research institute for aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

The sanctions are similar to the once imposed on three China-based companies in October 2023 for supplying missile-applicable items to the country.

Spokesperson Matthew Miller said the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems.

Moreover, China-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, alongside Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, are accused for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions

“As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller said.