Washington: The US has said that it has been "clear and consistent" regarding concerns with Pakistan's ballistic missile program for many years. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller expressed commitment to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime by taking action against networks supporting activities of proliferation concern.
The remarks come after the US State Department last week imposed sanctions on a Chinese research institute and several companies, claiming they have been involved in supplying Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The sanctions are under the missile sanctions laws, specifically the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) and the Export Control Reform Act (ECRA).
While addressing a press briefing on September 17, Miller said that the US action last week follows the October 2023 and April 2024 designations of six Chinese entities and one Belarusian entity that have worked to supply Pakistan's missile program.
Asked about US concerns as sanctions have been imposed against suppliers of Pakistan's ballistic program, Miller responded, "The United States is committed to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime by taking action against networks supporting activities of proliferation concern. We have been clear and consistent about our concern with Pakistan's ballistic missile program for many years".
He further said that it has been the US policy to deny support to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program. He said that the US will continue to use sanctions and other tools to ensure that its national security cannot be impacted and the US financial system cannot be used by proliferators.
