US Sanctions Chinese and Belarusian Entities for Supporting Pakistan’s Missile Program
Washington, DC [US], September 18: The US has expressed ongoing concerns about Pakistan’s ballistic missile program. US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the country’s commitment to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime by taking action against networks that support proliferation activities.
During a press briefing, Miller highlighted that the recent US actions follow the October 2023 and April 2024 designations of six Chinese entities and one Belarusian entity that have supplied Pakistan’s missile program. He reiterated that the US has been clear and consistent about its concerns with Pakistan’s ballistic missile program for many years.
Miller stated, “The United States is committed to strengthening the international non-proliferation regime by taking action against networks supporting activities of proliferation concern. We have been clear and consistent about our concern with Pakistan’s ballistic missile program for many years.”
He further explained that the US policy is to deny support to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program and that the US will continue to use sanctions and other tools to protect its national security and financial system from being used by proliferators.
In response to a question about US sanctions against Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, Miller said, “Pakistan has been a longtime partner of ours. I think what this action shows is, there continue to be places where we have disagreement and when we have disagreement, we won’t hesitate to act to protect America’s interests.”
Last week, the US State Department imposed sanctions on China-based firms for their supply to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program under missile sanctions laws. The Department of State is taking action against five entities and one individual involved in the proliferation of ballistic missiles and controlled missile equipment and technology.
Specifically, the Department of State designated the Beijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry (RIAMB) under Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. RIAMB has worked with Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which is involved in the development and production of Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missiles.
Additionally, the US is imposing sanctions under missile sanctions laws on three PRC-based entities, one PRC individual, and a Pakistani entity for ballistic missile proliferation activities. These include PRC-based firms Hubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Company, Universal Enterprise Limited, and Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (aka Lontek); PRC individual Luo Dongmei (aka Steed Luo); and Pakistani-based entity Innovative Equipment.
The State Department spokesperson added that the US will continue to act against proliferation and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur. These sanctions are being imposed because these entities and individuals knowingly transferred equipment and technology controlled under the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) Annex, in support of MTCR Category I missile programs, to a non-MTCR country.
Previously, the US had designated four entities targeting proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. These entities had supplied missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile program. The entities included Belarus-based Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant, which supplied special vehicle chassis to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile program. The US also imposed sanctions on three Chinese entities: Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd, and Granpect Company Limited.
Doubts Revealed
Sanctions -: Sanctions are punishments or restrictions put on countries or companies to stop them from doing something bad. It’s like when your parents take away your video games because you didn’t do your homework.
Entities -: Entities are organizations or companies. Think of them like different shops or businesses that do various things.
Ballistic missile program -: A ballistic missile program is a plan or project to make powerful rockets that can travel long distances and carry bombs. It’s like making a super-strong firework, but much more dangerous.
Non-proliferation regime -: The non-proliferation regime is a set of rules and agreements to stop the spread of dangerous weapons, like nuclear bombs. It’s like a club where everyone agrees not to bring dangerous toys.
US State Department -: The US State Department is a part of the US government that deals with other countries. It’s like the part of your school that talks to other schools.
Matthew Miller -: Matthew Miller is a spokesperson for the US State Department. A spokesperson is someone who talks to the public and explains what an organization is doing.
Proliferation -: Proliferation means spreading or increasing something. In this case, it means spreading dangerous weapons to more places.
Controlled missile equipment -: Controlled missile equipment is special parts and tools used to make missiles, which are regulated to prevent misuse. It’s like special ingredients for a recipe that only certain people are allowed to use.