Pakistan Faces The Brunt Of US-China Rivalry! Missile Program Hits US Roadblock, Again

 

Pakistan is feeling the effects of the rivalry between the United States and China, as its ballistic missile ambitions face obstacles. The US has imposed sanctions on a Chinese firm for its involvement in the country's missile program, as part of a new effort to prevent proliferation. The US State Department announced on September 12 that sanctions were being placed on a Chinese research organization and multiple Chinese companies accused of supplying materials to Pakistan for its ballistic missile program. According to spokesperson Matthew Miller, the Pakistan National Development Complex (NDC) collaborated with the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building (RIAMB) Industry to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for systems including the Shaheen-3 and Ababeel. 

Pakistan's Shaheen-III is a solid fuel-powered, two-stage medium-range ballistic missile. Reports suggest that the missile boasts a 2,750-km range and is capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads, positioning it as the longest-range missile in Pakistan's strategic arsenal.

Contrastingly, the Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 kilometers, making it a medium-range ballistic missile equipped with three stages and solid fuel. The sanctions imposed targeted Pakistan-based Innovative Equipment, a Chinese individual, and Chinese companies Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co., Universal Enterprise, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Co. In an official statement, Miller emphasized the United States' commitment to countering proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern worldwide. Responding to the sanctions, 

Liu Pengyu, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in Washington, expressed China's firm opposition to unilateral sanctions and extraterritorial jurisdiction not authorized by international law or the UN Security Council. China will "vigorously safeguard" the rights and interests of Chinese companies and individuals. The recent imposition of sanctions follows previous measures taken by the US against three Chinese companies and one Belarus-based firm due to suspected connections to Islamabad's missile development program. The State Department noted, "These organizations have provided missile-related components for Pakistan's ballistic missile initiatives, including its long-range missile program." Pakistan and China have strongly criticized the imposed sanctions. 

In April, the Pakistani Foreign Ministry stated, "Pakistan opposes the politicization of export controls." Pakistan and China have both expressed strong disapproval of these sanctions. The Pakistani Foreign Ministry responded in April, stating that "Pakistan rejects the political manipulation of export controls."