US imposes sanctions on suppliers to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program

Pakistani military helicopters fly past a vehicle carrying a long-range ballistic Shaheen III missile take part in a military parade to mark Pakistan's National Day in Islamabad on March 25, 2021. (AFP/File)

• State Department says a Chinese research institute worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for Shaheen-3, Ababeel systems
• The latest sanctions also targeted three China-based firms alongside Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese national

The US State Department on Thursday imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it said have been involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
Washington similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October 2023 for supplying missile‐applicable items to Pakistan.
Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said in a statement that 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.
The sanctions also targeted 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, for knowingly transferring equipment under missile technology restrictions, Miller said.
“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.
The embassies of China and Pakistan in Washington did not immediately respond to requests for comment.