The US State Department announced sanctions on three China businesses for selling missile-related materials and technology to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.
The US State Department stated in the designation on Friday that the penalties were implemented as part of the global nonproliferation regime.
In a statement, the State Department stated, “Today, we are designating three entities pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery. These three entities, based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC), have worked to supply missile-applicable items to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme”.
China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, has been the primary source of armaments and defence equipment for Islamabad’s military modernisation programme.
General Technology Limited, Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd., and Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd are the three companies.
They were sanctioned for engaging in or attempting to engage, in activities or transactions that have materially contributed to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their delivery system (including missiles capable of delivering such weapons), including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer or use such items.
General Technology Limited has supplied brazing materials used to join components in ballistic missile rocket engines and in the production of combustion chambers.
Beijing Luo Luo Technology Development Co Ltd. has been working to supply mandrels and other gear that can be used in the fabrication of solid propellant rocket motors and be regulated by the Missile Technology Control Regime.
Changzhou Utek Composite Company Ltd. has been supplying D-glass glass fibre, quartz fabric, and high silica cloth, all of which have applications in missile systems since 2019.
According to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Today’s actions show that the US will continue to take action against the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, their delivery system, and associated procurement activities of concern, wherever they occur.
“The United States is committed to strengthening the global nonproliferation regime by taking action to disrupt procurement networks supporting proliferation activities of concern”, the United States stated.
The penalties come just days after Pakistan launched the Ababeel ballistic missile system.
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