The United States has announced sanctions against three Chinese companies and one from Belarus. These sanctions were imposed due to their involvement in supplying missile-related materials to Pakistan's ballistic missile programs, including its long-range missile initiative.
According to the US State Department, the entities targeted by these sanctions include Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, and Granpect Co. Ltd. These companies have been identified as engaging in activities or transactions that significantly contribute to, or pose a risk of contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, particularly by Pakistan.
In a statement, the US State Department emphasized its commitment, in collaboration with other partners, to bolstering the global non-proliferation regime. The objective is to deter and disrupt proliferation networks of weapons of mass destruction wherever they emerge.
In a factsheet, the State Department mentioned following points:
1. China-based Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited has supplied missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme that we assess was destined for NDC. Filament winding machines can be used to produce rocket motor cases.
2. China-based Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd has supplied missile-related equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, including stir welding equipment (which the United States assesses can be used to manufacture propellant tanks used in space launch vehicles), and a linear accelerator system (which the United States assesses can be used in the inspection of solid rocket motors). Tianjin Creative’s procurements were likely destined for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which develops and produces Pakistan’s Missile Technology Control Regime Category (MTCR) Category I ballistic missiles.
3. China-based Granpect Company Limited has worked with Pakistan’s SUPARCO to supply equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors. Additionally, Granpect Co. Ltd. also worked to supply equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors to Pakistan’s NDC.
4. Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant has worked to supply special vehicle chassis to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme. Such chassis are used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which is responsible for the development of MTCR I ballistic missiles.
“All individuals or entities that have ownership, either directly or indirectly, 50 per cent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorised by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt,” the State Department added.
