Minsk plant sanctioned by US for aiding in proliferation of missiles
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller (photo from open sources)
The US State Department has identified several supplier companies that facilitate the spread of ballistic missiles and are subject to sanctions. Three of them are located in China, and one is in Belarus, according to the US State Department.
The statement from the US agency notes that the relevant companies supplied items suitable for missiles to Pakistan, including its long-range missile program.
"The US is committed to strengthening the global nonproliferation regime by taking action to disrupt procurement networks supporting proliferation activities of concern. Today, we are designating four entities pursuant to Executive Order 13382, which targets proliferators of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," the release said.
Which specific entities were sanctioned
- Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant (Belarus);
- Xi’an Longde Technology Development Company Limited (China);
- Tianjin Creative Source International Trade Co Ltd. (China);
- Granpect Co. Ltd. (China).
Reason for the restrictions
In a statement by US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, it is noted that these companies were involved in activities or operations that have materially contributed to, or pose a risk of materially contributing to, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction or their means of delivery, including any efforts to produce, acquire, possess, develop, transport, transfer, or use such items by Pakistan.
Earlier, members of the Group of Seven promised to impose sanctions on third countries that help Russia evade existing restrictions.
Also, on April 15, it became known that the US and Canada had imposed sanctions against Belarus - restrictions were imposed on several individuals and legal entities involved in supporting the regime of Belarusian dictator Alexander Lukashenko.
