The US 🇺🇸 sanctioned four Chinese and one Pakistani company for transferring missile technology to Pakistan.

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The US has imposed sanctions on several Chinese and Pakistani entities for allegedly supplying materials and technologies to support Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including its long-range missile capabilities. The sanctioned companies include:

Chinese Entities​

• Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited: Supplied a filament winding machine that can be used to produce rocket motor cases for Pakistan's long-range ballistic missile program

Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co. Ltd.: Shipped stir-welding equipment that can be used to manufacture propellant tanks for space launch vehicles and a linear accelerator system that can inspect solid rocket motors, likely destined for Pakistan's Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO) which develops MTCR Category I ballistic missilesGranpect Company Limited: Worked with SUPARCO to supply equipment for testing large-diameter rocket motors and also supplied NDCBeijing Research Institute of Automation for Machine Building Industry: Worked with Pakistan to procure equipment for testing rocket motors for the Shaheen-3, Ababeel systems and potentially larger systemsHubei Huachangda Intelligent Equipment Co and Universal Enterprise: Sanctioned alongside Xi'an Longde for knowingly transferring restricted missile technology

Belarusian Entity​

• Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant: Supplied special vehicle chassis used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles by Pakistan's National Development Complex (NDC), which develops MTCR Category I ballistic missiles

Pakistani Entity​

• Innovative Equipment: Sanctioned alongside Chinese firms for knowingly transferring restricted missile technology

The sanctions prohibit US persons from engaging in transactions involving the sanctioned entities and block their property and interests under US jurisdiction. Pakistan criticized the sanctions as "erroneous" and a "political use of export controls", stating such items have legitimate commercial uses and that it is ready to discuss end-use verification mechanisms.

 

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Pakistan has publicly rejected the proposed Fissile Material Cutoff Treaty (FMCT), labeling it a manifestation of double standardsin international nuclear policy. The FMCT aims to ban the production of fissile materials for nuclear weapons, specifically plutonium and highly enriched uranium. Pakistan's opposition is rooted in concerns that the treaty would disproportionately benefit countries with larger existing stockpiles, particularly India, while hindering Pakistan's security interests.

Key Points of Pakistan's Position:​

• Concerns Over Existing Stockpiles: Pakistan argues that a treaty that does not address existing fissile material stocks will "freeze existing asymmetries" in nuclear capabilities, particularly in relation to India, which has a significantly larger stockpile of weapons-grade material. This asymmetry poses a direct threat to Pakistan's national security.
• Call for Comprehensive Negotiations: Islamabad insists that any discussions around the FMCT should include provisions for existing stocks and should not solely focus on future production. This reflects Pakistan's broader demand for a more equitable approach to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation that considers the security dynamics of South Asia.
• Link to Regional Security Dynamics: The rejection of the FMCT is also tied to Pakistan's strategic concerns regarding its relationship with India, especially following India's nuclear cooperation agreements with countries like the United States. Pakistan views these agreements as contributing to an imbalance in regional power dynamics.
• Historical Context: Since 2009, Pakistan has been a significant obstacle to initiating negotiations on the FMCT within the Conference on Disarmament (CD). Its stance has been consistent, emphasizing that any treaty must not only limit future production but also address historical inequities in nuclear arsenals.

Conclusion​

Pakistan's rejection of the FMCT highlights ongoing tensions in global nuclear governance and illustrates its strategic calculations in response to perceived threats from India. The call for a more inclusive and balanced approach to nuclear treaties reflects Pakistan's desire to ensure its national security while navigating complex international relations.