The US State Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
Washington also imposed sanctions on three China-based companies in October 2023 for supplying Pakistan with missile components.
Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement that the Beijing Machine-Building Industry Automation Research Institute had worked with Pakistan to acquire equipment to test motors rocket for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel systems and potentially for larger systems.
The sanctions also targeted China-based companies Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, as well as Pakistani company Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national, for knowingly transferring equipment under restrictions related to missile technology, Miller said.
“As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to take action against proliferation and related procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur,” Miller said.
Liu Pengyu, a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington, said: “China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction which have no basis in international law or the authorization of UN Security Council. »
China will “firmly protect” the rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals, he added.