China on Thursday rejected claims that Chinese companies have helped Iraq upgrade its air defence system.
"So far, the Chinese Government has not found any trade practices between China and Iraq that violate resolutions of the United Nations Security Council," said Sun Yuxi, spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
He made the remarks when asked to comment on a report in the Wall Street Journal which said Chinese telecommunications companies helped Iraq upgrade its air defence systems in violation of United Nations sanctions.
Sun said that the Chinese Government holds "consistent, explicit and firm" attitudes on implementing UN resolutions concerning sanctions on Iraq.
Any company and individual is forbidden to engage in any economic and trade activity that run counter to the Security Council's resolutions on the Iraqi issue, he said.
"If any acts that go against such regulations are found, severe punishment will be given," he added.
(Chinadaily.com.cn 08/17/2001)
