US imposes sanctions on China-based network for aiding North Korea's missile programs

The United States announced sanctions against a network of individuals and companies based in China, accusing them of supporting North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The US Treasury Department stated that these activities were in "flagrant violation" of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

According to the Treasury, the network assisted North Korea in procuring materials necessary for its missile programs. Brian Nelson, Treasury undersecretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, condemned North Korea's actions as "irresponsible and destabilizing" to both regional and global security. He emphasized the US commitment to enforcing international sanctions and disrupting illicit procurement networks.

The Treasury described North Korea's use of an extensive network of overseas agents, including personnel at diplomatic and trade missions, and foreign firms to acquire the materials needed for its missile programs.

Among those sanctioned was Shi Qianpei, a Chinese national accused of working with a previously-designated individual in Beijing to obtain metal sheets for North Korean missiles. Other sanctioned individuals include Chen Tianxin, Shi Qianpei's business partner and wife, and two employees who were involved in these activities.