Chinese Links in Illegal North Korea-Syria Arms Trade

This week, UN Security Council diplomats highlighted China's role in facilitating illegal arms trading between North Korea and Syria. Speaking on the condition of anonymity, diplomats revealed that South Korean officials seized a Chinese ship bound for Syria in May that carried missile making parts.

?

The ship had left from North Korea, and contained graphite cylinders. These can be used for rocket nozzles and re-entry nose cones in missiles, and are different from the lead piping cargo the vessel registered.

?

Finding the parts aboard a Chinese ship raises concerns that North Korea is using China as a link to engage in illegal arms trade.

?

China is a permanent member of the UN Security Council. The Council is responsible for enforcing sanctions against North Korea, while the Chinese regime?which has veto power?is Pyongyang?s main ally.

?

China has also blocked UN efforts to apply sanctions against Syria. The communist state has a major stake in Syria?s oil industry. Reuters reported in March that Chinese firms may be providing Bashir al-Assad?s regime with up to $80 million through oil trade.?

?

According to Al Jazeera, South Korea will not publicly acknowledge the seizure of the graphite cylinders until the UN Security Council completes its processes.

?

The UN panel on North Korea's arms trading says there is a history of illegal trading between Syria and North Korea. Reuters reported in May this year it had obtained a confidential report that materials suitable for artillery munitions and missiles were seized in 2007 and in 2010. The earlier shipment traveled via China.?

?

In January, the US imposed sanctions against Chinese state-owned Zhuhai Zhenrong Corp for its Iranian links. It had struck a deal with Iran to transport the oil out of Syria, circumventing western trade blocks against Syria.?

?

According to the UN, the civil war between Syrian?s regime and opposition forces has so far claimed more than 37,000 lives. ?

?

The Chinese regime has said it will investigate the UN's claims.?

?

Source: http://ntdtv.org/en/news/china/2012-11-16/chinese-links-in-illegal-north-korea-syria-arms-trade.html

colcannon dystonia tourettes gonzaga rosie o donnell soda bread recipe vanderbilt