US Imposes Sanctions on Chinese and Belarusian Companies Supplying Missile Technology to Pakistan

The US has sanctioned Chinese and Belarusian firms for supplying missile technology and equipment to Pakistan's ballistic missile program, impacting Islamabad's defense capabilities.

The United States has recently imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Belarusian companies for their involvement in supplying missile technology and equipment to Pakistan's ballistic missile program. This move targets entities that have been instrumental in Islamabad’s military modernization efforts, specifically its long-range ballistic missile capabilities.

The sanctioned companies include China-based Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, and Granpect Company Limited, as well as Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited has supplied missile-related equipment, notably a filament winding machine, to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. This equipment is crucial for manufacturing composite material components used in missile construction. The United States assesses that these supplies were destined for Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), which is responsible for the development of Missile Technology Control Regime Category (MTCR) I ballistic missiles.

Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd has provided various missile-related equipment to Pakistan, including stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system. Stir welding equipment can be used to manufacture propellant tanks for space launch vehicles, while the linear accelerator system is utilized for inspecting solid rocket motors. The United States believes these procurements were likely intended for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which develops and produces ballistic missiles.

Granpect Company Limited has collaborated with SUPARCO to supply equipment essential for testing large-diameter rocket motors, further enhancing Pakistan’s missile development capabilities.

Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, based in Belarus, has supplied special vehicle chassis to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program. These chassis serve as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles developed by the NDC.

These sanctions are part of the United States' broader strategy to curb the proliferation of missile technology and ensure compliance with international non-proliferation norms. The entities targeted have played significant roles in advancing Pakistan's missile program, thereby raising concerns about regional security and stability.

By imposing these sanctions, the US aims to disrupt the supply chain and technological advancements of Pakistan’s missile capabilities, which could have far-reaching implications for South Asian security dynamics.