US sanctions 3 Chinese firms for providing ballistic missile to Pakistan.
The US State Department has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and one Belarusian company for their involvement in providing missile-related items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programmes, including long-range missiles.
Targeted Entities:
The sanctioned Chinese companies are Xi’an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Granpect Co. Ltd.
The Belarusian entity facing sanctions is Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.
Alleged Activities:
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, these companies engaged in activities that materially supported the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery in Pakistan.
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This includes manufacturing, acquiring, possessing, developing, transporting, transferring, or using items for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programmes.
The United States is committed to strengthening global nonproliferation by deterring and disrupting weapons of mass destruction networks wherever they occur. Today, the @StateDept is sanctioning four entities that are proliferating dangerous missile technology.
— Matthew Miller (@StateDeptSpox) April 19, 2024
Specific Involvement:
Xi’an Longde Technology Development reportedly supplied missile-related equipment, such as a filament winding machine, to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.
Tianjin Creative Source International Trade provided equipment including stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system, which could be utilized in manufacturing propellant tanks and inspecting solid rocket motors.
Granpect Co. Ltd. collaborated with Pakistan’s SUPARCO to provide equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors.
Additionally, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Belarus supplied special vehicle chassis for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme.
US Commitment to Nonproliferation:
As US sanctions 3 Chinese firms for providing ballistic missile to Pakistan, these sanctions underscore the US commitment to strengthening global nonproliferation efforts by disrupting procurement networks supporting proliferation activities.
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China has historically served as a significant supplier of arms and defence equipment to Pakistan’s military modernisation initiatives.
