China sent North Korea missile launchers, claims Japan
Two North Korean soldiers stand guard in front of the Unha-3 rocket at Tangachai -ri space center on April 8, 2012.
Japan claims to have evidence that a Chinese company exported vehicles capable of transporting and launching missiles to North Korea last August. This would be in violation of UN trade restrictions on weapons technology, Japanese media stated.
China has denied the reports, and claims that no UN restrictions have been violated.
According to the Associated Press, Japanese authorities found that the vehicles, called TELs (for transporter, erector, launcher) were shipped from Shanghai to North Korea aboard a Cambodian flagged cargo vessel, the Harmony Wish.
TELs became the focus of international attention when in April they were displayed in a military parade in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital.
Japan's top government spokesman refused to confirm the reports, but did say that Japan will work with the international community to determine if UN regulations were violated.
More from GlobalPost: Kim Jong Un makes first public speech at Pyongyang ceremony
China claims the vehicles were to be used to carry lumber.
China's Foreign Ministry issued a statement in April denying any wrongdoing.
"China firmly opposes the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and their means of delivery," said China's Foreign Ministry in a statement.
According to the Foreign Ministry, China strictly follows the relevant export control resolutions of the UN Security Council.
The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.
Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!