The United States continues its efforts to curb the global proliferation of weapons, taking decisive action where there is a threat of weapons proliferation, according to US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
"Our concerns regarding Pakistan's missile program are clear," Miller said during a weekly press briefing. He confirmed that sanctions were imposed under executive orders from October 2023 and April 2024 targeting entities associated with the program.
As part of these measures, Miller explained, the US has sanctioned six Chinese and one Belarusian company, identified as suppliers to Pakistan's missile development efforts.
"Pakistan remains a long-term partner of the United States," Miller noted, but reiterated that this action underscores that the US openly express on issues of disagreement. “Where we disagree, we make our position clear and take action accordingly,” he added, stressing that the US does not hesitate to protect American interests.
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Miller stressed that the United States has a longstanding policy of not supporting Pakistan’s missile program and reaffirmed the country's commitment to this stance. "We do not hesitate to protect American interests, and this has been our consistent policy," Miller concluded.
Last week, the US State Department imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies it said have been involved in supplying Pakistan's ballistic missile programme. 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.
