The US State Department on Thursday 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.

“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.

In April, the US Department of State announced sanctions against four entities for their alleged involvement in supplying materials and equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, including its long-range missile capabilities.

The four companies are: Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus), Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (China), Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd (China), and Granpect Company Limited (China).

The State Department decision comes days after the Joe Biden administration approved a $52.8 million sale of sonobuoys for anti-submarine warfare for MH-60R helicopters operated by the Indian Navy.

India has purchased 24 MH-60R choppers from the USA and received six of them so far.