Seoul, July 29 (DPA) China seized 70 kg of a strategic missile-making metal bound for North Korea, South Korean media reported Wednesday, quoting a local Chinese newspaper.

The seizure took place Friday at Dandong on the Chinese border with North Korea. While inspecting North Korean-bound trucks, a Dandong customs agent discovered the metal vanadium hidden under a fake fruit box, the Dandong News reported.

In all, 68 bottles were seized totalling 70 kg of vanadium, valued at 200,000 yuan ($29,280).

Vanadium is used to sharpen steel and prevent rust in making missile cases or naval ships.

The seizure is part of China's own trade practice to restrict the export of strategic metals like vanadium and to protect its domestic industry.