US Accuses Chinese Firms of Breaking Iran Sanctions

The Obama administration believes that a number of Chinese businesses are violating UN sanctions and helping Iran improve its missile technology and build nuclear weapons, a senior US official tells the Washington Post. Last month, the State Department handed Beijing a “significant list’ of companies and banks it suspects of such activity, according to the official. US intelligence also believes some companies are passing restricted technology and materials to China.

A spokesman for the Chinese Embassy said the government would investigate the allegations. Almost all foreign energy and weapons companies cut ties with Iran after the Security Council approved tougher sanctions in June. “China now is the only country with a major oil and gas industry that’s prepared to deal with Iran,” the official said. “Everyone else has pulled out. They stand alone.” (More China stories.)