The United States has taken action against three companies based in China and one in Belarus for their involvement in providing missile-related components to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme. Among the sanctioned entities are Xi’an Longde Technology Development and Tianjin Creative Source International Trade from China, along with Granpect Co. Ltd from Belarus. These companies’ activities have raised concerns about the proliferation of missile technology and its impact on regional stability.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, these entities have engaged in transactions that materially contribute to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery by Pakistan. The US aims to disrupt procurement networks supporting such proliferation activities.
The sanctions prohibit any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services to or from the designated entities. Additionally, the entry of designated individuals into the United States has been suspended.
Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant supplied special vehicle chassis to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme, which are utilized as launch support equipment by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) for developing Missile Technology Control Regime Category I ballistic missiles.
Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited supplied missile-related equipment, including filament winding machines, to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme, likely intended for NDC.
Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd provided missile-related equipment to Pakistan’s programme, including stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system, which can be used in manufacturing propellant tanks and inspecting solid rocket motors.
Granpect Company collaborated with Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) to supply equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors, also working with NDC in this regard.
