Larry Pressler: “Specifically, our intelligence sources noted that last month a defense industrial trading company--the China Precision…”

“Specifically, our intelligence sources noted that last month a defense industrial trading company--the China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corp.--delivered military cargo to the Scientific Studies and Research Center in Syria. China Precision Machinery is to missile production what McDonald's is to burger production. In fact, the United States had imposed sanctions twice against China Precision Machinery--in 1991 and 1993. In 1993, the firm shipped M-11 ballistic missile technology to Pakistan--a violation of the so-called Missile Technology Control Regime, or MTCR. The MTCR sanctions were lifted 1 year later after China promised the United States it would not export M-11's or related technology. If the Syrian missile deal proves to be true, it would represent a clear violation of both the MTCR and the 1994 agreement. The Syrian firm that was reported to have received the cargo is the heart of Syria's efforts to produce ballistic missiles, and other advanced conventional arms. The firm is reported to be building a version of the Scud C ballistic missile. If Syria has received M-11 related technology, that would represent a significant technological upgrade in Syria's ballistic missile capability. No doubt, it would destabilize a region struggling to achieve peace. Our weapons proliferation laws are based on a simple premise -- proliferation carries a price.…”