The 16-wheeler platform used in the military parade in Pyongyang (above) looks very similar to the platform from a Chinese maker of special vehicles (below). /AP-Yonhap

The mobile platform that transported what looked like an intercontinental ballistic missile in Sunday's military parade in Pyongyang was probably imported from China. A government source here said it looks very similar to platforms from a Chinese maker of special vehicles.

The mobile platform was about 20 m long and had 16 wheels. According to sources, a Chinese company that manufactures specialized mobile launchers for ICBMs and multiple launch rocket systems for the People's Liberation Army produced and exported eight 16-wheelers known as the WS-51200 between 2010 and 2011.

That would mean Beijing may be in violation of a UN Security Council resolution banning shipments of weapons to the North. UN Security Council Resolution 1874 prohibits North Korea from launching long-range projectiles using ICBM technology and bans other countries from dealing in such weapons and related technology with the North.