U.S. sanctions China-based network for helping North Korea

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -- The United States imposed sanctions Wednesday on a China-based network for helping North Korea develop its ballistic missile and space programs, the U.S. Treasury Department said.

The six individuals and five companies in the so-called Shi Qianpei network were involved in procuring items to support the programs in violations of multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions, it said.

North Korea relies on foreign-sourced materials and components for its weapons of mass destruction programs, using networks of procurement agents overseas, the Treasury said. Foreign companies who buy items needed for its weapons programs repackage them for shipment to North Korea, hiding the end-use from manufacturers, it said.

Shi Qianpei is a Chinese national and key facilitator in the network, the Treasury said.