## US Sanctions Chinese and Belarusian Firms for Supplying Missile Technology to Pakistan
The United States has imposed sanctions on three Chinese companies and a Belarus-based firm for supplying missile-applicable items to Pakistan's ballistic missile program. The sanctioned entities include Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, and Granpect Company Limited from China, and the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant from Belarus.
These companies have been involved in supplying various components and equipment crucial for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program. This includes special vehicle chassis, filament winding machines for producing rocket motor cases, stir welding equipment for propellant tanks, and linear accelerator systems for inspecting solid rocket motors.
The US Department of State stated that these supplies were likely intended for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO), which is responsible for developing and producing MTCR Category I ballistic missiles.
As a result of the sanctions, all assets and interests of the designated entities within the United States or controlled by US persons are frozen and must be reported to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Additionally, transactions involving these entities by US persons or within the United States are prohibited unless authorized by a specific license from OFAC.
These sanctions demonstrate the US commitment to preventing the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their delivery systems. By targeting entities involved in supplying missile technology to Pakistan, the US aims to disrupt its ballistic missile program and enhance regional security.