(S) CHINA URGED TO RECALL MISSILE-RELATED STEEL EN

S E C R E T BEIJING 006199


DEPT FOR ISN/MTR AND EAP/CM

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2032
TAGS: PARM MTCRE PREL ETTC CH KS SY

SUBJECT: (S) CHINA URGED TO RECALL MISSILE-RELATED STEEL EN
ROUTE TO SYRIA

REF: STATE 131595

Classified By: Political Regional Affairs Unit Chief Mark Tesone. Reas
ons 1.4 (b/d).


1. (S) Poloff delivered retel message concerning China
Precision Machinery Import and Export Corporation's efforts
to supply Syria's Mechanical Construction Factory with
missile-usable specialty steel to MFA Arms Control and
Disarmament Department Missile Division Deputy Director Wang
Daxue on September 19.


2. (S) Wang told Poloff that the steel is not controlled
under China's export control laws and regulations and does
not require a license for export. The steel could be
intended for civilian use, such as the manufacture of
vehicles, he said. Poloff stressed that the specialty steel
being shipped can be used to produce missile parts and that
the ultimate end-user is a Syrian agency responsible for
ballistic missile development. Syria is a state sponsor of
terrorism and its proliferation activities contribute to
regional instability. He urged China to take immediate steps
to recall the shipment. Wang agreed to pass the U.S.
information to Chinese investigatory authorities and to share
with us the results of the investigation.
Randt


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