China restricts trade with Pyongyang over nuclear tests

BEIJING / AFP

China has imposed restrictions on imports of North Korea coal and sales to the North of jet fuel under UN sanctions imposed in response to Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile tests.
The sanctions announced on Tuesday allow some imports of North Korean coal, iron ore and other materials for civilian use. But they ban any trade connected to the North’s missile or nuclear programs.
The United States and other governments have been pressing China to use its status as Pyongyang’s only major ally, source of aid and trading partner to put pressure on the North.
Sanctions approved by the UN Security Council last month call for mandatory inspections of cargo into and out of North Korea and other restrictions.