In a significant development ahead of Iranian President Ibrahim Raisi’s scheduled visit to Islamabad, the United States has dealt a major blow to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.

The Biden administration has imposed a ban on three Chinese companies—Xi’an Longde Technology Development, Tianjin Creative Source International Trade, and Grainpact Company Limited—for their alleged involvement in aiding Pakistan’s ballistic missile project. Additionally, the US has also banned the Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant of Belarus for similar reasons.

According to an official statement from the US State Department, Minsk Wheel Tractor Plant is to supply special vehicle chassis to Pakistan’s long-range ballistic missile programme. “Such chassis are used as launch support equipment for ballistic missiles by Pakistan’s National Development Complex (NDC), which is responsible for the development of Missile Technology Control Regime Category (MTCR) I ballistic missiles,” it said. 

The ban stems from the US’s accusation that these companies are engaged in the manufacturing and promotion of Pakistan’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs). As a consequence of the ban, all assets of these companies based in the US will be confiscated, and properties of their representatives will be seized. This move by the US is perceived as a significant setback to Pakistan’s long-range missile capabilities. However, the exact reasons behind the US’s actions have not been explicitly stated, though it’s speculated that the move is intended to prevent Pakistan from advancing its ballistic programme, particularly in light of the impending visit of the Iranian President.

Why is this important?

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi’s visit to Islamabad on April 22, 2024, holds considerable significance against the backdrop of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. Amid fears of a potential conflict erupting in the Middle East, Raisi’s visit coincides with heightened concerns following Iran’s recent attack on Israel, which was reportedly thwarted.

Reports suggest that Chinese equipment and the Beidou navigation system played a crucial role in the failed attack, raising questions about potential collaboration between Iran and China through Pakistan.

The longstanding friendship between China and Pakistan adds another layer of complexity to the situation. China has been a key ally, providing military, economic, and infrastructure support to Pakistan.

Raisi’s visit may prompt speculation about potential cooperation between Iran and Pakistan, especially given the delicate state of relations between Iran and its neighbors, exacerbated by recent aerial strikes on Pakistani territory.

Against this backdrop, Raisi’s visit is seen as an opportunity to bolster ties with Pakistan and divert attention away from tensions with Israel. By engaging with Pakistan, Iran may seek to strengthen regional alliances and mitigate potential conflicts, underscoring the geopolitical significance of Raisi’s diplomatic mission to Islamabad.

Overall, the US’s ban on Chinese and Belarusian companies underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with implications for both regional security and diplomatic relations. It highlights the intricate relationships between China, Pakistan, Iran, and the United States, shaping the geopolitical landscape of South Asia and the broader Middle East.