Amidst a pivotal development, the US Department of State has levied sanctions against three China-based entities and one from Belarus for providing items applicable to missiles for Pakistan’s ballistic missile endeavour.
This unfolds at an unprecedented juncture, as the global landscape undergoes shifts post the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the Israel-Palestine discord.
In response to potential repercussions, Anil Trigunayat, India’s former ambassador, expressed that while India may not celebrate these sanctions, it must persist in fortifying its deterrence capability.
Trigunayat remarked, “I perceive this as the US addressing Chinese and Russian actions while curbing Pakistani ambitions against Israel and India. To an extent, it may hinder Pakistan’s ballistic missile development, yet their reliance on China for missile initiatives could lead them to explore covert alternatives from China. India should not view this positively but should augment its deterrence capability.”
The US State Department, on Friday, enforced sanctions on three China-based entities and one Belarusian company, aimed at thwarting the spread of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery mechanisms. These entities have provided items pertinent to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile pursuits.
According to the US State Department, the Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant has engaged in supplying specialized vehicle chassis for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. These chassis function as launch support apparatus for Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), responsible for crafting Missile Technology Control Regime Category (MTCR) I ballistic missiles.
Meanwhile, the China-based Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited has furnished missile-related apparatus, including a filament winding apparatus, for Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program, believed to be destined for the NDC. Filament winding machines are utilized in the fabrication of rocket motor cases.
Additionally, another China-based entity named Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd has contributed to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program with missile-related equipment, such as stir welding apparatus (which the United States deems capable of manufacturing propellant tanks for space launch vehicles) and a linear accelerator system (which the United States believes can be employed in solid rocket motor examination).
It is probable that Tianjin Creative’s procurements were intended for Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), responsible for developing and producing Pakistan’s MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.
Furthermore, the China-based Granpect Company Limited has collaborated with Pakistan’s SUPARCO to provide equipment for the testing of large diameter rocket motors. Additionally, Granpect Co. Ltd. has also facilitated the supply of equipment for testing large diameter rocket motors to Pakistan’s NDC, as stated by the US State Department in a release.
