- China has banned exports to North Korea of 32 “dual-use” items that can be applied in the development of weapons of mass destruction. The ban also applies to items with potential dual use in the development of conventional weapons.
- The list of items, which include radiation monitoring equipment and software that can be used to model fluid dynamics or neutrons, is in line with a UN Security Council resolution adopted in September to curb North Korea’s ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.
- China is North Korea’s sole major ally and top trade partner, but Beijing has backed a raft of UN sanctions to put pressure on Pyongyang to give up its nuclear ambitions.
- China’s exports to North Korea fell 32.4 percent in February, compared to the previous year, Chinese customs data showed. Fuel exports to North Korea slowed down to a trickle in as a result of sanctions imposed in September.
- Imports from North Korea, including sea food and textiles, dropped 94.7 percent in February as Chinese companies shied away from doing business with Pyongyang.
- President Donald Trump’s administration has urged China to put the economic squeeze on North Korea and seal off any smuggling channels.
Source:Economic Times