In a significant incident in early May, Indian customs authorities at the Kattupalli port in Tamil Nadu seized a consignment of Ortho-Chloro Benzylidene Malononitrile (CS), a chemical used in riot control but also regulated as a potential chemical weapon.
The consignment, shipped from China to Pakistan, was en route to Rohail Enterprises, a Pakistani defense supplier.
The seizure has raised serious concerns due to the dual-use nature of CS gas, which can be used for both civilian and military purposes. The incident has brought to the forefront China's role in the global proliferation of such technologies, often bypassing international regulations and export controls.
Suspicions of Use Against Baloch Rebels and China's Interests in Balochistan
Investigations into the seizure have sparked alarming suspicions about the intended use of the chemical against Baloch rebels by Pakistani law enforcement agencies.This has further fueled concerns about China's vested interests in Balochistan, a region central to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).
Several CPEC projects in the region face opposition from local nationalist groups, raising questions about China's willingness to support the Pakistani government's counterinsurgency efforts, even through the supply of controlled substances.
China's Global Proliferation Efforts Under Scrutiny
The incident has drawn international attention to China's alleged involvement in global proliferation networks, particularly its support for sanctioned states.Multiple European and US agencies are now closely monitoring dual-use technology trading by China and Pakistan.
Recent Incidents and Reports Expose China's Activities
Recent incidents, such as the arrest of Ilya Kahn, a tri-national resident involved in the illegal export of semiconductors to sanctioned Russian businesses via China, and the US sanctions against Chinese companies supplying missile technology to Pakistan, further highlight China's alleged illicit activities.Reports by German and Austrian intelligence agencies also emphasize China's role in sourcing dual-use goods for Pakistan through fake companies and dealer networks.
These reports detail how China is becoming a global hub for sanctioned goods, exploiting its non-sanctioned status and the civilian nature of intermediary companies to circumvent export controls.
Microchips and Dual-Use Technologies: A Growing Concern
The reports specifically highlight China's role in supplying microchips, essential for the Russian military industry, through Hong Kong.Moreover, concerns have been raised about China's efforts to repurpose commercial technologies for military applications, even through seemingly harmless research collaborations or joint ventures.
Conclusion
The seizure of the CS gas consignment in India has shed light on a complex network of global proliferation involving China and Pakistan. The incident raises serious questions about China's commitment to international regulations and its willingness to support regimes engaged in counterinsurgency efforts, even through the supply of controlled substances.As international scrutiny intensifies, the world watches closely to see how China responds to these allegations and whether it will take steps to curb its alleged involvement in the proliferation of dual-use technologies.
