Setback For Rawalpindi's Missile Ambitions As US Takes Action Against Chinese, Pakistani Firms For Illegal Activities

The United States Government has blacklisted multiple Chinese and Pakistani Firms for involvement in nuclear and missile proliferation activities reported The Indian Express.

The Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) of the US Commerce Department has recently included 38 entities in its blacklist.

This move came as a result of these firms alleged association with the Russian or Chinese military, as well as their involvement in Iran's or Pakistan's nuclear weapons programmes, the report says.

Additionally, it was discovered that some of these entities were also involved in committing human rights violations in Myanmar and China.

This blacklisting comes just weeks after the shot down of a Chinese spy balloon by the US Air Force over US territory, amid rising tensions with the Chinese on a host of issues.

These include the construction of Artificial Islands in the South China Sea, threatening Taiwan of invasion and their support to the Russia on Ukraine-Russia War.

The Entity List, report says defines ‘an entity’ as a business, research institution, government or private organisation, and individuals which deal in such illegal activities.

The updated list now comprises several companies from different countries including China, four from Pakistan, three from Myanmar, and one from each of the following countries — Belarus, Russia, and Taiwan, the IE report says.

Another 14 entities based out of China and Pakistan have also been added to the Entity List. These entities have been added to the list because of their supposed contribution to ballistic missile programs that are deemed concerning.

This includes Pakistan's missile program, as well as being involved in illegal nuclear activities.

Three entities located in Russia, Belarus, and Taiwan were also added to the list for their contributions to Russia's military and defence industry, the report says.

Additionally, eight entities from China were added for acquiring and attempting to acquire US-origin items to support China's military modernisation efforts, as well as for supplying, or attempting to supply, a sanctioned Iranian entity.

Furthermore, six entities based in China and Myanmar were added to the list for their involvement in human rights violations.

“When we identify entities that pose a national security or foreign policy concern for the US, we add them to the Entity List to ensure we can scrutinise their transactions,” BIS Assistant Secretary Thea D Rozman Kendler explained in a press brief.

“In addition to screening against the Entity List, exporters and those transacting in items subject to our regulations need to exercise careful due diligence to determine whether such items may be diverted to prohibited end-uses or end-users,” she further added.