Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: MONDAY, August 9, 1993                   TAG: 9308090092
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

CHINESE SHIP STOPPED BY U.S.

However, China disputed the U.S. allegation and protested.

Chinese Assistant Foreign Minister Qin Huasen said Saturday in Beijing that an investigation had found the allegations to be groundless.

He suggested the two sides jointly inspect the ship at its first unloading port in the Middle East.

Qin summoned the U.S. ambassador, Stapleton Roy, and lodged a strong protest for blocking the Chinese vessel, the Yinhe, from delivering its cargo, the nationally televised evening news and the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

The reports said the United States has since July 23 repeatedly told the Chinese that U.S. intelligence reports say the Yinhe is transporting thiodiglycol, used in mustard gas, and thionyl chloride, an ingredient in nerve gas.

"The Chinese side solemnly stated that in adhering to the provisions of the Chemical Weapons Convention, China forbids the export of such chemicals," Xinhua said.

In Washington, officials said Sunday the ship was carrying "precursor elements" for chemical weapons.