Satellite images reveal, China harbouring ship linked to North Korea-Russia arms transfers
- In Reports
- 05:59 PM, Apr 25, 2024
- Myind Staff
Satellite images obtained by Reuters reveal that China is offering moorage for a Russian cargo ship, which has been sanctioned by the U.S. The vessel is linked to arms transfers from North Korea to Russia. This development comes amid increasing concerns in the United States regarding Beijing's backing of Moscow's involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian vessel Angara, which Britain's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) think tank reports have transported thousands of containers believed to hold North Korean munitions to Russian ports since August 2023, has been anchored at a shipyard in eastern Zhejiang province, China, since February.
The presence of the ship at the Chinese port highlights the difficulties confronting the United States and its allies as they attempt to restrict military and economic aid to Russia.
With Ukraine facing a renewed assault from Russia and experiencing ammunition shortages, U.S. officials have issued increasingly dire warnings regarding what they claim is China's assistance in rebuilding Russia's military following its initial setbacks in the Ukraine conflict.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing this week is expected to focus on addressing the support provided by China to Russia. Kurt Campbell, the State Department's second-ranking diplomat, stated earlier this month that Washington would take action if Beijing intensified its support for Moscow.
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department acknowledged "credible, open-source reports" indicating that the Angara is currently docked in a Chinese port and stated that the issue had been raised with Chinese authorities.
An official called on all member states to uphold their obligations under UNSCR 2397, a UN resolution that restricts trade with North Korea and mandates the deregistration of vessels engaged in illicit activities.
The spokesperson stated that Secretary Blinken would discuss various concerns, including Russia's conflict with Ukraine and its ties with North Korea, during his meeting with Chinese counterparts this week.
Satellite images obtained by RUSI from companies like Planet Labs PBC revealed the Angara docked at Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard in Zhejiang, identified by its unique AIS transponder briefly activated while navigating the Korea Strait. The vessel had visited North Korean and Russian ports in January with its transponder off before arriving in China on February 9 for apparent repairs or maintenance.
The US-sanctioned ship, Angara, conducted 11 deliveries between North Korea and Russian ports since August 2023, according to RUSI. China's embassy in Washington stated it was unaware of the details, while the foreign ministry said it had no information.
The US and other countries condemned North Korean weapons transfers to Russia as violations of UN resolutions. RUSI's Joseph Byrne suggested China should inspect the vessel. Washington urged China to halt support for Russia's war in Ukraine.
Russia and Zhoushan Xinya Shipyard did not comment. The shipyard's website mentions partnerships with global shipping firms. Russia and North Korea dismissed criticism over alleged weapons deliveries. Kurt Campbell criticised the growing partnership between China, North Korea, and Russia as contrary to US security interests.
Image source: Reuters
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