US sanctions Chinese, Belarusian firms for providing ballistic missile components to Pakistan

US sanctions 3 Chinese firms and one from Belarus for providing ballistic missile components to Pakistan

The United States has imposed sanctions on four companies -- three based in China and one in Belarus -- for providing missile-related materials to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile initiatives, according to the US States Department.

The sanctioned Chinese companies are Xi'an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Granpect Co. Ltd, while the Belarusian company is Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

These entities "have engaged in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items, by Pakistan," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on April 19.

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, particularly in relation to Pakistan, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller. The US aims to disrupt procurement networks that support such proliferation activities, thereby bolstering the global nonproliferation regime.
Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant provided specialised vehicle chassis to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, which are utilized as launch support equipment by Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC). The NDC is tasked with developing Missile Technology Control Regime Category I ballistic missiles, as outlined in a State Department Factsheet.

Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited furnished missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, with the assessment that it was intended for the NDC. Filament winding machines are capable of producing rocket motor cases.

Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd supplied missile-related equipment to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, such as stir welding equipment, which the United States believes can be employed in manufacturing propellant tanks for space launch vehicles. Additionally, Tianjin Creative provided a linear accelerator system, assessed by the United States for inspecting solid rocket motors. Tianjin Creative's acquisitions were likely intended for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), responsible for developing and producing Pakistan's MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.

Granpect Company collaborated with Pakistan's SUPARCO to deliver equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors. Furthermore, Granpect Co. Ltd. supplied equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors to Pakistan's NDC.