Ding Jian Wei, 50, of Singapore, pleaded guilty on Friday in US District Court in Minneapolis to one count of conspiracy to violate export regulations. His co-defendants - Ping Cheng, 46, of Manhasset, New York, and Lim Kok Tong Lim, 36, also from Singapore - also pleaded guilty in recent weeks to one count of conspiracy.

According to their plea agreements, the three men admitted that from March 23, 2007, through April 6, 2008, they conspired to violate export regulations by exporting and attempting to export high-modulus carbon-fiber material without a license.

The material is used in rockets, satellites, spacecraft and uranium enrichment. For national security reasons, a license from the US Department of Commerce is required to export it.

According to the plea agreements, Ding controlled several import and export companies, including one that acquired high-technology items for its customers. One of those customers is the China Academy of Space Technology, which builds satellites for the Chinese government.

The plea agreements said Ding's role was to manage the companies, maintain a relationship with the Chinese users of the material, and provide money to buy the material. Cheng acted as the US agent forDing's companies, and Lim's role was to reach out to US suppliers.

The defendants dealt with an undercover Minnesota company that purported to be a supplier of aerospace commodities.

The men each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison and a maximum US$1 million fine. A sentencing date has not been set. -- AP