The U.S. Department of State has imposed sanctions on four entities accused of supplying materials and equipment to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range capabilities. Acting under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems, the State Department announced these measures.
The sanctioned entities are:
- Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus), which provided specialized vehicle chassis for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles.
- Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (China), accused of supplying missile-related equipment, including a filament winding machine potentially used in rocket motor case production.
- Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd (China), alleged to have provided equipment such as stir welding machines and a linear accelerator system, potentially used in propellant tank manufacturing and solid rocket motor inspection.
- Granpect Company Limited (China), which collaborated with Pakistan’s space agency and missile development complex to supply equipment for large-diameter rocket motor testing.
These sanctions entail freezing any assets these entities hold within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibiting U.S. individuals and companies from conducting transactions with them.
The State Department stressed that these sanctions are intended to deter further proliferation activities and promote a shift in behavior. The primary objective is not punitive but to advance international security and nonproliferation efforts.
