On Thursday, the U.S. State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies allegedly involved in supporting Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. This action follows similar sanctions placed on three China-based firms in October 2023 for providing missile-related components to Pakistan.
Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated that the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry had collaborated with Pakistan to obtain equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems, and potentially for larger systems as well.
The sanctions also target China-based companies Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co, Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co, along with Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese individual, for their involvement in transferring equipment restricted under missile technology regulations.
Miller emphasized that the U.S. will continue to counteract proliferation and related procurement activities. The embassies of China and Pakistan in Washington have yet to respond to requests for comment.
In April, the State Department had already sanctioned four entities for allegedly supplying materials and equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus), Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (China), Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd (China), and Granpect Company Limited (China).
This decision comes shortly after the Biden administration approved a $52.8 million sale of sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare to equip MH-60R helicopters used by the Indian Navy. India has purchased 24 MH-60R helicopters from the U.S., with six already delivered.
