The US has put sanctions on three Chinese companies and one from Belarus for secretly providing materials for Pakistan’s ballistic missile programs, including its long-range missile program.
The companies named are Xi’an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Granpect Co. Ltd from China, and Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant from Belarus.
These entities have been involved in activities or transactions that significantly contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery by Pakistan, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
Curbing Missile Proliferation: US Sanctions on Chinese and Belarusian Companies
Mr. Miller stated that the US is committed to strengthening global nonproliferation efforts by disrupting procurement networks supporting concerning proliferation activities.
China, a close ally of Pakistan, has been the primary provider of arms and defense equipment for Pakistan’s military modernization.
The Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant in Belarus supplied special vehicle chassis to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program.
These chassis are used for launching ballistic missiles by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), responsible for developing Missile Technology Control Regime Category I ballistic missiles.
China’s Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited provided missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, intended for Pakistan’s NDC.
Filament winding machines are used in producing rocket motor cases.
Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd supplied missile-related equipment, including stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system, likely for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
SUPARCO develops Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.
Granpect Company collaborated with SUPARCO to supply equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors. Additionally, Granpect Co. Ltd. provided equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors to Pakistan’s NDC.
