<p>The seizure took place Friday at Dandong on the Chinese border with North Korea. While inspecting North Korean-bound trucks, a Dandong customs agent discovered the metal vanadium hidden under a fake fruit box, the Dandong News reported.<br /><br />In all, 68 bottles were seized totalling 70 kg of vanadium, valued at 200,000 yuan ($29,280).<br /><br />Vanadium is used to sharpen steel and prevent rust in making missile cases or naval ships.<br />The seizure is part of China's own trade practice to restrict the export of strategic metals like vanadium and to protect its domestic industry.<br /><br />The action was interpreted as a sign from China in support of US- led sanctions, which were mounted to curtail North Korea's arms trafficking in response to its May 25 nuclear test.<br /><br />The tightened sanctions are considered relatively ineffective without Chinese participation. China is a major source of trade cash, energy and food for North Korea.<br /><br />The action comes amid a UN-led call on China to tighten control of trafficking into North Korea to implement the tightened sanctions.</p>
<p>The seizure took place Friday at Dandong on the Chinese border with North Korea. While inspecting North Korean-bound trucks, a Dandong customs agent discovered the metal vanadium hidden under a fake fruit box, the Dandong News reported.<br /><br />In all, 68 bottles were seized totalling 70 kg of vanadium, valued at 200,000 yuan ($29,280).<br /><br />Vanadium is used to sharpen steel and prevent rust in making missile cases or naval ships.<br />The seizure is part of China's own trade practice to restrict the export of strategic metals like vanadium and to protect its domestic industry.<br /><br />The action was interpreted as a sign from China in support of US- led sanctions, which were mounted to curtail North Korea's arms trafficking in response to its May 25 nuclear test.<br /><br />The tightened sanctions are considered relatively ineffective without Chinese participation. China is a major source of trade cash, energy and food for North Korea.<br /><br />The action comes amid a UN-led call on China to tighten control of trafficking into North Korea to implement the tightened sanctions.</p>