On April 25, satellite images obtained by Reuters showed that a Russian cargo ship believed to be involved in transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia was anchored at a Chinese port. Provided photo (2024 Reuters/Planet Labs PBC)
[ワシントン ２５日 ロイター] – A Russian cargo ship believed to be involved in transporting weapons from North Korea to Russia is anchored at a Chinese port. This was revealed in satellite images obtained by Reuters.
The Royal Defense and Security Institute (RUSI), a British think tank, has pointed out that the Russian ship Angara has been anchored at a shipyard in eastern China’s Zhejiang province since February. Since August 2023, the ship has transported thousands of containers believed to be North Korean-made weapons and ammunition to Russian ports.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson said they were aware of “credible information” that the Angara was moored in a Chinese port and had raised the issue with Chinese authorities.
“We call on all United Nations member states to fulfill their obligations under Security Council resolution 2397,” he said. The resolution restricts trade with North Korea and requires ships involved in illegal activities to be deregistered.
“When Secretary of State Blinken meets with his Chinese counterpart this week, he will raise a range of concerns, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and relations between Russia and North Korea.”
Images obtained by RUSI from Planet Labs, a major American satellite imaging company, and other sources show the Angara berthed at a shipyard in Zhoushan, Zhejiang province.
According to RUSI, the ship arrived in China on February 9, likely for repairs or maintenance. She was sanctioned by the United States in May 2022, but since August 2023 she has made at least 11 trips between the North Korean port of Rajin and multiple Russian ports.
The Chinese embassy in Washington said it was not aware of details about Angara, but said it always opposes unilateral sanctions or “long-arm jurisdiction” that are not based on international law or a UN Security Council mandate. .
RUSI researcher Joseph Byrne said the Chinese government must be aware that the Angara is berthed at a domestic shipyard. “China is unlikely to take any action against these Russian ships if they are allowed to set sail without completing repairs and inspection,” he said.
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Tags: Satellite images show Russian ship carrying North Korean weapons anchored Chinese port Reuters
