US imposes sanctions on Chinese companies for supporting 'Pakistan's ballistic missile program'

The United States (US) on Thursday imposed sanctions on five entities for assisting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, aiming to 'curb the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction'.

The US State Department targeted three Chinese companies, a research institute, and an individual for providing material to Pakistan for the development of ballistic missiles.

State spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry aided Pakistan in “procuring equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missiles, but also potentially for even larger systems.”

Three Chinese companies including, Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co were also sanctioned.

A Pakistani entity, Innovative Equipment, was among the companies restricted by the US for supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile efforts.

A statement released by the department emphasised, “As today’s actions demonstrate, the United States will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur.”

In response, the Chinese embassy in Washington condemned the sanctions, stating, “China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorisation of the UN Security Council.” 

“China will firmly protect the rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals,” the embassy added. 

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch declined to comment on the recent development, stating that the details of the US report are under review.

Previously, in April 2024, the US imposed sanctions on one Belarus-based and three Chinese companies for aiding Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program by supplying missile-related technology.