The United States (US) Department of State announced sanctions on four entities for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range program.
“We are committed to strengthening the global nonproliferation regime by taking action to disrupt procurement networks supporting proliferation activities of concern,” stated the Department of State. “These designations underscore our resolve to counter the threat posed by ballistic missiles,” it reads.
The designations were made pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
The sanctioned entities are:
- Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus): allegedly supplied special vehicle chassis used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles.
- Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (PRC): allegedly supplied a filament winding machine, which can be used to produce rocket motor cases, to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program.
- Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd (PRC): allegedly supplied stir welding equipment (usable in propellant tanks) and a linear accelerator system (usable for inspecting solid rocket motors) to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
- Granpect Company Limited (PRC): allegedly worked with Pakistan to supply equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors.
The sanctions freeze any assets the designated entities may have in the US and prohibit US companies and individuals from doing business with them.
