US imposes sanctions on firms supplying components for Pakistan’s Ballistic missile

The US Department of State imposed sanctions against three Chinese companies and one Belarus-based firm for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. The sanctioned entities are Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, Granpect Company Limited from China, and Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant from Belarus.

According to the statement, these entities have provided missile-related items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile endeavors, in violation of Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery mechanisms.

Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, based in Belarus, has supplied special vehicle chassis crucial for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. These chassis serve as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), responsible for MTCR Category I ballistic missile development.

Granpect Company Limited, based in China, has provided missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine, for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, likely destined for NDC. Filament winding machines are used to manufacture rocket motor cases. Granpect also collaborated with Pakistan’s SUPARCO to supply equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors.

Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, based in China, has supplied missile-related equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, including stir welding equipment and a linear accelerator system. These items are assessed to be used in manufacturing propellant tanks and inspecting solid rocket motors, respectively, for Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.

The sanctions block all property and interests in property of the designated entities within US jurisdiction or under the control of US persons. Additionally, transactions involving these entities are prohibited unless authorized by the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Contributions, funds, goods, or services to or from these entities are also prohibited. Furthermore, entry into the United States by designated individuals is suspended.