US cargo threat

Warren Christopher, the Secretary of State, vowed that the United States would prevent China from delivering a cargo of alleged banned chemicals that is en route by ship to Iran, Reuter reports from Washington.

'We have reliable information that there are chemical weapons on board that ship. We're determined to inspect the ship,' he said. The US believes the materials on the Yinhe are the raw materials for banned chemical weapons.

Washington has tracked the ship, which is now believed to be in Iranian waters. China has accused the US of acting as 'self-appointed international policeman'.