China North Industries Corporation issued a statement in Beijing
Thursday on the US government's sanctions against the company. The
full text of the statement is as follows:
On
May 9, 2003, the US government imposed sanctions on China North
Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and its subsidiaries, alleging
that it had "materially contributed" to Iran's program to develop
missiles capable of delivering weapons of mass destruction (WMD).
We hereby express our strong dissatisfaction and firm
opposition.
NORINCO is a state-owned enterprise lawfully incorporated in China
and operates according to law. Apart from its legitimate business
in conventional weapons and military equipment, the corporation is
also actively engaged in the manufacturing and trade of civilian
products, and has developed a global trade and information network,
and a diversified international market. We are keenly aware that
NORINCO's diversified international market potential depends upon a
peaceful, stable and predictable international business
environment. Based on this understanding, we firmly support the
policy of the Chinese government on non-proliferation of WMD and
their means of delivery, and strictly comply with the Regulations
of the People's Republic of China on Export Control of Missiles and
Missile-Related Items and Technologies as well as its Export
Control List in our trade with other countries. We have never
assisted any country in developing such missiles. In fact, we do
not have such technological capabilities. The trade and economic
cooperation we have had with Iran are all within the parameters as
provided for under the above-mentioned policy and export control
regime.
The sanctions imposed on NORINCO by the US administration are
completely groundless and unjustified. They have not only incurred
economic losses to our corporation and undermined our international
image, but also produced an enormous adverse impact on the normal
trade of civilian products between NORINCO and its US counterparts.
We strongly demand that the US government immediately lift the
sanctions against NORINCO and its subsidiaries. As regards the
injury of our public image and our economic losses due to the
sanctions, we reserve the right to resort to legal action.
(Xinhua News Agency June 5, 2003)