US sanctions 4 companies supplying missile components for Pakistan's ballistic missile program

The entities sanctioned include three Chinese companies – Xi'an Longde Technology Development Co Ltd, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd and Granpect Co Ltd, as well as Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant.

“The Department of State is designating four entities pursuant to section 1(a)(ii) of Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. “These entities have supplied missile-usable items to Pakistan’s long-range missile programme, including its ballistic missile programme,” the statement read.

Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant has taken up the task of supplying special vehicle chassis for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile programme. Such chassis are used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles by Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), which is responsible for the development of Missile Technology Control Arrangement Category (MTCR) I ballistic missiles.

In the statement, the US State Department said, “Granpect Co. Ltd. supplied missile-related equipment, including filament winding machines, to Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, which we assess was destined for the NDC. Filament winding machines can be used to make rocket motor cases.

Granpect Company Limited has worked with Suparco of Pakistan to supply equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors. In addition, Granpect Company Limited also provided equipment to the NDC of Pakistan for testing large diameter rocket motors.

In the statement, the US State Department said, “PRC-based Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co., Ltd. has supplied missile-related equipment for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program, including stir welding equipment (which the United States assesses that it can be used) is included. to make propellant tanks used in space launch vehicles), and a linear accelerator system (which the United States assesses could be used to propel solid rocket motors).

The purchase of Tianjin Creative was probably destined for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which designs and produces Pakistan's MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.

The US State Department said, “As a result of today's action, and in accordance with EO 13382, all property and interests in property of the named individuals described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons are blocked. Has gone.” And it must be reported to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).”

“Additionally, all persons or entities that are directly or indirectly owned 50 percent or more by one or more of the blocked persons are also blocked. All transactions by U.S. persons in or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interest in the property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exemptive. Is not authorised,” it added.

These prohibitions include the making of any contribution or the provision of money, goods or services by, to, or for the benefit of any blocked person and the receipt of any contribution or provision of money, goods or services from any such person. Additionally, entry of designated individuals into the United States has been suspended.