China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation
| Company type | State-owned enterprise |
|---|---|
| Industry | Defense manufacturing, arms export |
| Headquarters | China |
| Products | Missile systems, air defense solutions, radar systems |
China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation (CPMIEC, ) is a state-owned Chinese enterprise engaged in defense manufacturing, authorized to export weaponry and related technologies, with a focus on missile and air defense solutions.
Turkish air defense system
In September 2013, Turkey, a NATO member country, revealed intentions to acquire the HQ-9 missile defense system from CPMIEC in a contract valued at approximately US$3.44 billion. CPMIEC was chosen over several rivals, including the Italo-French Eurosam Aster 30 system priced at around US$4.4 billion, the US-made Patriot system from Lockheed Martin and Raytheon costing about US$5 billion, and Russia’s S-300 offered by Rosoboronexport.
Despite prior confirmation of the purchase by Defense Minister İsmet Yılmaz in February 2015, Turkey canceled the procurement in November 2015 due to pressure exerted by other NATO members.
Venezuelan radar
In what marked China's initial significant arms transaction in Latin America, Venezuela procured JYL-1 radar systems from CPMIEC in 2005, with the deal valued at US$150 million. Subsequently, the Venezuelan armed forces explored acquiring more radar equipment from CPMIEC and later obtained aircraft from CATIC, another Chinese defense manufacturer.
Syrian missile development
According to a 1996 report from US media citing the CIA, CPMIEC collaborated with the Syrian Scientific Studies and Research Center by providing missile components to support Syrian missile programs.
US Treasury Sanctions
The US Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has designated China National Precision Machinery Import/Export Corporation as a "Specially Designated National" (SDN), subjecting it to Secondary Sanctions. This global sanctions list includes CPMIEC and its associated entities under various names.