Suspect Missile Cargo Seized From Chinese Ship Heading for Syria

South Korea reportedly seized cargo from a Chinese freighter that can be used to produce ballistic missiles. The shipment was allegedly made in North Korea and was heading for Syria, specifically a company called Electric Parts.

United Nations diplomats stated that the seizure of the 445 graphite cylinders from the Shanghai-registered Xin Yan Tai in May was reported to the U.N. Security Council committee monitoring sanctions against North Korea, according to the Montreal Gazette. These sanctions ban the country from sending or receiving nuclear/missile technology.

The cargo was declared as lead piping. The crew aboard the Chinese ship may have been unaware of what the cargo actually was, expressed a U.N. official. The cylinders could be used for rocket nozzles and re-entry vehicle nose tips, reported the South China Morning Post.

China briefed the sanctions committee on the seizure on October 24th, but the committee wants additional information regarding the shipment before making any decisions. The ongoing reports and meetings are private. China had also offered to help investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.