Behind the US decision

The Pakistani government has strongly protested the US decision to sanction four Pakistani companies accused of conducting research and manufacturing long-range missiles for Pakistan and playing a key role in advancing the long-range missile development program.

There are two other noteworthy developments related to this matter.

Firstly, the US argument is that Pakistan's increased research and development of long-range missiles, and its accelerated missile development program in general, poses a security threat to the US. This is surprising to the public because Pakistan has historically been a close ally of the US, both nominally and in reality, and has always received significant US military aid.

It is true that Pakistan's internal political landscape is often volatile and the country has traditional cooperative relationships with some nations that the US opposes, but it is hard to believe that Pakistan would switch sides with the US.

Pakistani army parade in March 2022

The second notable development was that, just days before the decision was made, the US sanctioned several Chinese entities for allegedly cooperating with and supporting four Pakistani companies, thus helping Pakistan develop its missile program.

Essentially, the US accusations against relevant Chinese entities concern the proliferation of missile technology, particularly long-range missiles. It appears the underlying concern is that China, by assisting Pakistan in its missile development program, is strengthening its ties with Pakistan and using it to counter the US. Thus, the US is sanctioning Pakistan to target someone else.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/phia-sau-quyet-dinh-cua-my-185241222230736958.htm