China’s proliferation of nuclear and missile-related technologies to other countries

The U.S. government has consistently expressed concerns about China’s proliferation of nuclear and missile-related technologies to other countries, with recent focus on the potential acquisition of U.S.-origin nuclear technology by China. (See CRS In Focus IF11050, New U.S. Policy Regarding Nuclear Exports to China, by Paul K. Kerr and Mary Beth D. Nikitin.) According to official U.S. government reports, the Chinese government has ended its direct involvement in the transfer of nuclear and missile-related items, but Chinese companies and individuals continue to export such items, particularly to Iran and North Korea. Additionally, U.S. officials have raised concerns about entities operating in China that provide support for proliferation-sensitive activities, such as illicit finance and money laundering.