China seizes smuggled metal bound for North Korea (for missile parts)

[Coventina]

Source: Reuters

BEIJING (Reuters) - Chinese border police have seized 70 kg (154 lb) of the strategic metal vanadium bound for North Korea, a local newspaper said on Tuesday, foiling an attempt to smuggle a material used to make missile parts.

The U.N. Security Council has tightened restrictions on North Korea in response to its May 25 nuclear test. The sanctions are meant to cut off the North's arms trade.

Although the seizure is in line with China's own export controls, Chinese analysts had predicted Beijing would step up inspections on road and rail traffic into North Korea to help enforce the tightened sanctions.

Altogether 68 bottles totaling 70 kg of vanadium worth 200,000 yuan ($29,280) were seized at the Dandong border with North Korea, the Dandong News said.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idUSTRE56R1QP20090728

[SkyDaddy7]

1. I guess that is encouraging?

[ohio2007]

4. 154 lb of the strategic metal ? oh that sounds like a breaking news story the west wants to hear

$29,280 worth of metal, found hidden under boxes of fruit, was being bartered by which corrupt Chinese officials?

[AsahinaKimi]

2. Its sounds like China

Just gave Kim Jong iL a wet towl smack on the butt. Good for them!

[iandhr]

3. ITS ABOUT TIME