WASHINGTON (AFP) — The United States has imposed sanctions on companies from China, Russia, Venezuela and other countries for allegedly violating its ban on sales of technology that could help Iran, Syria or North Korea develop sensitive weapons systems.
The State Department announced in the Federal Register that "13 foreign persons," meaning companies, "engaged in activities that warrant imposition of measures" under its Iran, North Korea and Syria Non-Proliferation Act.
The United States says the sanctions are meant to punish the firms for sales that have "potential to make a material contribution to the development of weapons of mass destruction or cruise or ballistic missile systems."
It did not in this listing link firms to specific equipment or alleged destination countries.
The companies and organizations targeted were: China Xinshidai Company; China Shipbuilding and Offshore International Corporation; Huazhong CNC; Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps; Korea Mining Development (North Korea); Korea Taesong Trading (North Korea); Yolin/Yullin Tech (South Korea); and Rosoboronexport of Russia.
Also sanctioned were Sudan Master Technology, and Sudan Technical Center Co.; Army Supply Bureau (Syria); R and M International FZCO (UAE) and Venezuelan Military Industries (CAVIM).
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