In compliance with the UN sanctions against rogue state North Korea over its latest nuclear missile tests, China has just ordered the closing of all North Korean companies in its country.
The order came from China’s commerce ministry. The Chinese authorities also said on Thursday that North Korean firms or joint ventures in China will be closed within 120 days of the UN rule. UN announced fresh sanctions against the regime of dictator Kim Jong-un on September 12.
China’s move against North Korea comes after mounting international pressure led by President Donald Trump and the U.S. for the Asian giant to rein-in its belligerent neighbor.
The UN Security Council voted unanimously on September 12 to intensify sanctions on North Korea including banning its textile exports and capping fuel supplies. Said UN decision was triggered by North Korea’s sixth and largest nuclear test this month. It already marks the ninth Security Council sanctions resolution over the nuclear arms ambitions of North Korea including ballistic missile and other nuclear programs since 2006. Sanctions also cover banning North Korea from selling coal and textiles, and also in ordering other governments to limit fuel supplies.
Chinese joint ventures with North Korea overseas will also shut down. But no time frame was specified.
China is the main trading partner of North Korea. Its businesses in China is a huge help to the isolated country in terms of boosting its foreign currency.
Last week, the White House has announced that Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping have agreed to “maximize pressure” on North Korea through vigorous enforcement of UN security council resolutions.
More recently, on Tuesday, Trump also thanked China for helping rein-in North Korea and said that international pressure on North Korea is beginning to work. The President also praised Xi for his efforts to “squeeze” his country’s ally.
Trump said then: “I applaud Chiba for breaking off all banking relationships with North Korea, something that people would have thought unthinkable even two months ago. I want to thank President Xi.”’
Source:
