N.K. sought nuclear weapons technology: CIA report

With China`s support, North Korea purchased materials needed to implement its missile development plan and sought to acquire nuclear weapons technology during the first half of last year, The Washington Times reported Tuesday.

Quoting a report on the proliferation of armaments submitted by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) to Congress, the newspaper said North Korea continued to purchase missile-related materials from China.

The Washington Times reported that the CIA report, which came in the wake of a dispute between the United States and China over Beijing`s support for the Iraqi air defense network, said Chinese enterprises provided North Korea, Iran, and several other countries with missile-related technology and materials.

Han Ki-Heung eligius@donga.com