Washington D.C: In a significant move to curb the proliferation of ballistic missile technology, the US State Department has imposed sanctions on four companies—three from China and one from Belarus—for their involvement in supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including components for its long-range missiles.
The sanctioned entities from China include Xi’an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Granpect Co. Ltd. From Belarus, the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant has been penalized. These companies have been accused of providing critical support to Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC) and the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), both of which are instrumental in the development of Pakistan’s Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Category I ballistic missiles.
The Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, in particular, supplied specialized vehicle chassis that are utilized as launch support equipment for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles. Meanwhile, Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited provided missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, which is essential for producing rocket motor cases.
Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd’s contribution included stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system. The former is believed to be capable of manufacturing propellant tanks for space launch vehicles, while the latter is used in the inspection of solid rocket motors. These procurements were likely intended for SUPARCO, which spearheads the development and production of Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.
Furthermore, Granpect Company’s collaboration with SUPARCO involved supplying equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors, a critical component in missile development.
Matthew Miller, a spokesperson for the State Department, emphasized that these companies have materially contributed to the risk of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery by Pakistan. The sanctions reflect the US government’s commitment to disrupting procurement networks that support activities of concern and to reinforcing the global nonproliferation regime.
The recent sanctions are part of a broader strategy by the US to prevent the spread of missile technology that could potentially lead to an arms race or destabilize regional security dynamics. The US continues to monitor and take decisive actions against entities that undermine international security efforts and contribute to the development of ballistic missile capabilities in volatile regions.
