WASHINGTON: The United States has sanctioned five entities including four China-based for their involvement in the proliferation of ballistic missile equipment and technology to Pakistan.
According to the statement on Thursday, the US Department of State is taking action against five entities and one individual that have been involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology.
Matthew Miller, Department Spokesperson, said that the US has imposed sanctions on the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) for its involvement in the development and production of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles.
“RIAMB has worked with Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) to procure equipment for testing of large diameter rocket motors, including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel, but also potentially for larger systems,” the spokesperson said.
Similarly, Washington announced imposing sanctions on three China-based entities, one Chinese individual, and a Pakistani entity Innovative Equipment for ballistic missile proliferation activities.
The sections will be imposed under the missile sanctions laws — the Arms Export Control Act and the Export Control Reform Act — to Chinese-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek)and Chinese individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo), State Dept spokesperson stated.
Meanwhile, Officials from Pakistan’s Foreign Office have not yet released any statement regarding the development. Spokesperson FO Mumtaz Zahra Baloch told the private channel that Pakistan is ascertaining the details.
A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said Beijing firmly opposes unilateral sanctions and long-arm jurisdiction that have no basis in international law or authorization of the UN Security Council.