WASHINGTON: The United States (US) announced on Tuesday that it has imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Hong Kong-based companies for their alleged role in aiding Iran’s ballistic missile program.
The US Treasury revealed that these Chinese entities had allegedly supplied centrifuges, non-ferrous metals, electronics, and gyroscopes to Iranian government bodies and private companies already under sanctions for their involvement in missile development.
The move comes as the US expresses concerns over Iran’s intentions to potentially develop nuclear weapons capable of being mounted on ballistic missiles, posing a threat to countries like Israel and others in the region.
Chinese Companies Face Sanctions
Among the sanctioned companies are Beijing Shiny Nights Technology Development, Qingdao Zhongrongtong Trade Development, Hong Kong Ke.Do International Trade Co, Lingoe Process Engineering Limited, and Zhejiang Qingji Ind. Co. Additionally, Iran’s defense attaché in Beijing, Davoud Damghani, has also been targeted by the US Treasury for allegedly coordinating the procurement of Chinese supplies for Iran’s defense industry.
The sanctions imposed by the US prohibit American firms, individuals, and companies with US branches, including global banks, from engaging in any business transactions with the blacklisted entities.
Treasury Under Secretary Brian Nelson emphasized the significance of the action, stating, “Today’s action reinforces our commitment to respond to activities which undermine regional stability and threaten the security of our key partners and allies.”
Nelson further emphasized that the United States remains committed to targeting illicit transnational procurement networks that clandestinely support Iran’s ballistic missile production and other military programs.
