Washington, DC – The Department of State has taken a significant step in its commitment to global security by designating four entities, in accordance with Section 1(a)(ii) of Executive Order 13382, with the aim of curbing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. Three of these entities are based in China. This action underscores the US’s targeted approach towards those involved in the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery.
One of the entities designated is the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, which has a significant role in Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. It has been implicated in supplying special vehicle chassis, a crucial component of the program. These chassis are vital launch support equipment for ballistic missiles developed by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), the driving force behind the development of Missile Technology Control Regime Category I ballistic missiles.
Another entity facing sanctions is the China-based Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, which has been found to supply missile-related equipment, notably a filament winding machine, intended for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. This equipment, believed to be destined for NDC, is crucial for producing rocket motor cases.
Another China-based entity, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, has been identified for supplying missile-related equipment to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. This includes stir welding equipment, assessed by the United States to be capable of manufacturing propellant tanks used in space launch vehicles, and a linear accelerator system utilized in the inspection of solid rocket motors. These procurements were likely intended for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which is deeply involved in developing and producing Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.
Lastly, China-based Granpect Company Limited has been implicated in supplying equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors to both SUPARCO and NDC, further solidifying their involvement in Pakistan’s ballistic missile program.
The sanctions have immediate and far-reaching implications. All property and interests in property of the designated entities, within the United States or under the control of US persons, are now blocked and must be reported to the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Furthermore, individuals or entities with direct or indirect ownership of 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also subject to blocking.
The designated entities have been identified for their involvement in supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile initiatives.
Moreover, all transactions involving any property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons are now prohibited unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC or exempt. This includes contributions or provisions of funds, goods, or services to or for the benefit of any blocked person, as well as the receipt of such contributions or provisions from any such person. Furthermore, the entry of designated individuals into the United States is suspended.
Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma is a Senior Journalist who has lived in Washington DC since 2007. He currently is a contributor to Dainik Bhaskar, the world's third largest newspaper by readership. His opinion pieces feature on News 9 and The Quint. He has been invited as guest on the BBC, NDTV, India Today, AajTak, Times Now, Republic, Zee news and others. His work has featured in six Indian Languages.
