China Bans Imports From North Korea

China has announced a ban on imports of coal, iron ore, lead and seafood from North Korea. The measures are part of new UN sanctions aimed to punish Pyongyang after it tested two intercontinental missiles. China’s Commerce Ministry said on its website that all imports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead concentrates, lead and seafood from North Korea would be “completely prohibited” from Tuesday, DW reported. The announcement came after Beijing pledged to fully enforce the latest round of sanctions against its neighbor. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had vowed after the UN sanctions were given the green light that his country “will for sure implement that new resolution 100%, fully and strictly”. The sanctions, approved in a Security Council vote on August 6, could cost North Korea up to $1 billion a year. Escalating tensions between the US and North Korea, including threats of military action by both countries, have also led to mounting international concern.