The U.S. State Department has announced sanctions against the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant (MWTP) and three Chinese companies. They are alleged to have transferred missile equipment to Pakistan, UNN reports.
Details
In addition to the Minsk Wheeled Tractor Plant, the sanctions were imposed on the following companies:
- Xi'an Longde Technology Development Company Limited,
- Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co,
- Ltd and Granpect Co. Ltd.
The decision is explained by "the transfer of products used in missiles for Pakistan's ballistic missile program, including the long-range missile program".
The companies are alleged to have engaged in activities or transactions that "substantially contributed to, or posed a risk of substantially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, including any efforts to manufacture, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items by Pakistan".
AddendumAddendum
In Pakistan, a new Prime Minister, Shahbaz Sharif, was sworn in in early March. The new coalition government's priorities include restoring relations with the United States.