US warns China over missile sales to Pakistan

The US Secretary of State, Warren Christopher, called for an explanation from his Chinese counterpart, Qian Qichen, yesterday about reported sales of M-11 missiles to Pakistan, a senior US official said, Reuter reports from Singapore. 'There's disturbing evidence of (missile) shipments and that's why we need an explanation,' the official said.

In a meeting with Mr Qian, Mr Christopher 'laid out the seriousness of the issue and possible implications', the official said, but would not say if the consequences would include economic sanctions. Mr Qian has denied China is selling Pakistan missiles.