US puts sanctions on three Chinese companies for missile parts supplies to Pakistan

This representational photo taken on October 18, 2023, shows Pakistan army conducting a flight test of the Ababeel Weapon System. (Photo courtesy: ISPR)
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Updated 21 October 2023
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US puts sanctions on three Chinese companies for missile parts supplies to Pakistan

  • Firms are General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd, Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd
  • US says will continue to act against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and procurement activities 

WASHINGTON: The United States is imposing sanctions on three China-based companies that it said on Friday have worked to supply missile‐applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.

A US State Department statement identified the firms as General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd, and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd.

It said General Technology had worked to supply brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines and in the production of combustion chambers; Beijing Luo Luo had worked to supply mandrels and other machinery, which can be used in the production of solid-propellant rocket motors, the US said.

The third firm, Changzhou Utek Composite, had worked since 2019 to supply D-glass fiber, quartz fabric, and high silica cloth, all of which have applications in missile systems, the statement said.

"Today's actions demonstrate that the United States will continue to act against proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their means of delivery, and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur," the statement said.

China's embassy in Washington and Changzhou Utek Composite did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The other two firms could not immediately be reached for comment.
 


Pakistan joins 22 Muslim states, OIC to condemn Israeli FM’s visit to Somaliland

Updated 08 January 2026
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Pakistan joins 22 Muslim states, OIC to condemn Israeli FM’s visit to Somaliland

  • Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited breakaway African region of Somaliland on January 6
  • Muslim states urge Israel to withdraw Somaliland recognition, respect Somalia’s sovereignty

ISLAMABAD: A joint statement by Pakistan, 22 other Muslim states and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Thursday condemned Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar’s recent visit to Somaliland as a violation of the African nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Saar’s visit to Somaliland capital Hargeisa on Jan. 6 followed Israel’s move last month to recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region from Somalia, as an independent country. The move drew a sharp reaction from Muslim states, including Pakistan, who said it was in contravention of the UN Charter and international norms. 

Several international news outlets months earlier reported that Israel had contacted Somaliland over the potential resettlement of Palestinians forcibly removed from Gaza. Muslim countries fear Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region could be part of its plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the region. 

“The said visit constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and undermines established international norms and the United Nations Charter,” the joint statement shared by Pakistan’s foreign office, read. 

The joint statement was issued on behalf of 23 Muslim states, including Saudi Arabia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Egypt, Iraq, Iran, Palestine, Jordan, Kuwait, Türkiye, Oman and others. 

It reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, pointing out that respect for international law and non-interference in the internal affairs of sovereign states was necessary for regional stability. 

“Encouraging secessionist agendas are unacceptable and risk exacerbating tensions in an already fragile region,” the statement said. 

The joint statement urged Israel to revoke its recognition of the breakaway region. 

“Israel should fully respect Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity and territorial integrity and honor its obligations in compliance with international law, and demand immediate revocation of the recognition issued by Israel,” the statement read.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia unilaterally in 1991 as a civil war raged in the country. Somaliland has its own constitution, parliament and currency, a move that has infuriated Somalia over the years as it insists the region is part of its territory.