US sanctions Chinese firms for aiding Pakistan’s missile programme

WASHINGTON: The United States (US) imposed sanctions on several Chinese organisations for their alleged support of Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

According to reports, US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller indicated that Beijing Research Institute of Automation for the Machine Building Industry has been involved with Pakistan in developing the Shaheen-3 and and Ababil missile systems, as well as potentially larger systems related to the rocket motor testing.

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The sanctions extend to several Chinese firms, including the Hubeihuachengda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprises and Xi’an Longde Technology Developer Company.

Similarly, Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment and a Chinese person have also been sanctioned.

The US State Department claimed that these entities were engaged in the transfer of missile technology and equipment, violating existing sanctions.

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Miller stated that the sanctions showed the US’ determination to ‘combat’ nuclear proliferation and the ‘illicit’ transfer of sensitive technologies.

Such measures, he claimed, were designed to dissuade nations from participating  in activates that could ‘undermine’ regional security and escalate arms race.

The approach echoes recent sanctions taken against Iran by the US, the United Kingdom, and other European countries. They accuse Iran fo supplying Russia with short-range ballistic missiles to Russia.

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The economic impact of the sanctions is significant, as the aim is to restrict the targeted countries’ access to international market and financial systems.

By doing so, the US sees to weaken the economic stability of nations that engage in activities it doesn’t approve of.

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The latest sanctions follow previous ones taken in October 2023, when three Chinese companies were sanctioned for allegedly providing materials to Pakistan’s missile programme.