WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD (National Times) The United States’ Department of State said it has taken action against five entities and one individual involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology to Pakistan.

According to a statement issued by the department’s spokesperson, Matthew Miller, on Thursday, 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.

Washington similarly targeted three China-based companies with sanctions in October 2023 for supplying missile applicable items to Pakistan.

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.

Meanwhile, Foreign Office Spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, when asked to comment on the report, said they were ascertaining the details.

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 authorisation of the UN Security Council.”

China will “firmly protect” Chinese companies’ and individuals’ rights and interests, Liu said.