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Tech Sales to China Raise Red Flags

Weapons experts say imports could upgrade military—or be sold

By Jim O'Neill,  Newser User

Posted Jan 2, 2008 9:30 AM CST
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(Newser) – Chinese companies linked to the People’s Liberation Army were cleared to import sensitive high-tech equipment from the US after the Bush administration eased restrictions blocking the sale of technology with military applications, the New York Times reports. One company has ties to arms sales to Iran and Syria, claims a report by the Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control.

Wisconsin Project analysts contend two “highly suspicious” companies were approved to import aircraft engine parts, navigation and telecommunications equipment, and high-end composites, some of which could end up in Iran or Syria—in a “stealth attack on export controls.” The Commerce Department countered that only companies with “a demonstrable record of using sensitive technologies responsibly” are approved.

Soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army's 196th infantry brigade march to their target practice at an army base in Tianjin, on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Monday, July 30, 2007. The US has relaxed regulations on high-tech exports to two groups linked to the PLA. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
Soldiers from China's People's Liberation Army's 196th infantry brigade march to their target practice at an army base in Tianjin, on the outskirts of Beijing, China, Monday, July 30, 2007. The US has...   (Associated Press)
U.S. President George W. Bush, left, shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao following their joint statement in the Great Hall of the People on the edge of Tiananmen Square in this Nov. 20, 2005 file photo in Beijing, China. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak, File)
U.S. President George W. Bush, left, shakes hands with Chinese President Hu Jintao following their joint statement in the Great Hall of the People on the edge of Tiananmen Square in this Nov. 20, 2005...   (Associated Press)
Chinese men walk past a giant board advertising the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Beijing, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. Tokyo and Washington are deeply concerned by recent Chinese military activities, particularly the rapid improvements it is showing in missile technology, the modernization of its huge standing army and the reach...
Chinese men walk past a giant board advertising the Chinese People's Liberation Army in Beijing, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007. Tokyo and Washington are deeply concerned by recent Chinese military activities,...   (Associated Press)
Chinese President Hu Jintao, center, who also is chairman of China's Central Military Commission, poses for photos at a promotion ceremony for Chang Wanquan, 2nd right, in Beijing, China's capital, on Friday, Nov. 2, 207. Hu Jintao elevated top People's Liberation Army commander Chang Wenquan to full general _ the...
Chinese President Hu Jintao, center, who also is chairman of China's Central Military Commission, poses for photos at a promotion ceremony for Chang Wanquan, 2nd right, in Beijing, China's capital, on...   (Associated Press)
The Bush administration has eased trade restrictions with China.
The Bush administration has eased trade restrictions with China.   (Associated Press)
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US firms help set up China's security
International Herald Tribune

US, China sign trade deal for technology
Forbes

 
China • Iran • technology • military • Syria • imports • Department of Commerce • People's Liberation Army • Wisconsin Project on Nuclear Arms Control • arms control • militarization

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