US imposes sanctions on Chinese supply companies

13/9/2024 6:16

        The U.S. 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.
        
        Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington,
        said: "China firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm
        jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or
        authorization of the UN Security Council."
        
        China will "firmly protect" Chinese companies' and
        individuals' rights and interests, Liu said.
        
        Pakistan's embassy did not immediately respond to a request
        for comment.