U.S. Sanctions Pakistani, Chinese Entities for Missile Proliferation

The U.S. Department of State announced sanctions against five entities and one individual from China and Pakistan for their involvement in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and missile-related technologies.

The sanctions aim to curb the spread of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and are part of ongoing efforts to counter the procurement of missile technologies.

Among those sanctioned is the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB), a Chinese entity designated under Executive Order 13382, which targets WMD proliferators. According to the Department of State, RIAMB has collaborated with Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), an organization assessed to be involved in the development of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles. Specifically, RIAMB is reported to have supplied equipment crucial for the testing of large-diameter rocket motors, including those used in Pakistan’s Shaheen-3 and Ababeel missile systems.

In addition to RIAMB, three China-based companies, one Chinese individual, and one Pakistani company were also sanctioned under the U.S. Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and Export Control Reform Act (ECRA). The Chinese entities include Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (also known as Lontek). The individual sanctioned is Luo Dongmei, also known as Steed Luo. Innovative Equipment, a Pakistan-based company, is also subject to the sanctions.

These companies and the individual have been accused of knowingly transferring missile technology and equipment controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex to a non-MTCR country. This activity, according to the Department of State, supports the development of Category I missile programs, which are capable of delivering WMDs.

Pakistan has several ballistic missiles such as the Shaheen III said to be capable of delivering nuclear weapons to their targets over 1500 kms away.