Qin Gang, spokesman for China's Foreign Ministry said on April 23, 2014 that it was investigating reports that a chlorine canister bearing the name of Norinco, also known as China North Industries Group Corporation, China's biggest arms maker was shown in footage believed to document a gas attack in Syria this month.

Qin Gang said: "After seeing this report, we paid great attention and immediately sought to understand (the situation) from relevant departments. We will clarify this issue in a timely manner."  "We oppose the production and use of chemical weapons. On this, we are conscientious and responsible. Domestically, we have relevant laws and rules and a supervision system." In a statement later emailed to Reuters, China's Foreign Ministry said China "scrupulously abides by its non-proliferation obligations" and strictly controls exports of dual-use items, including sensitive chemicals. Chlorine is a raw material that has wide industrial uses, and it is not on any nation's or organization's list of controlled items," it said. "China hopes that relevant media can objectively and fairly report this, to avoid causing misunderstanding."

Syrian opposition activists uploaded a video of people choking and being fed oxygen following what they said were bombs dropped from helicopters on April 11 and 12 in the rebel-held village of Kfar Zeita in the central province of Hama, 125 miles north of Damascus. Further footage showed a partially exploded canister with the chemical symbol for chlorine along with the name of Chinese arms manufacturer Norinco.