China tightens North Korea trade limits

Beijing spokesperson applauds current talks between North and South

BEIJING— China on Friday tightened limits on critically important energy supplies to North Korea and stepped up other trade restrictions under intensified UN nuclear sanctions.

Beijing said it will limit exports of crude oil and refined petroleum to the North. Previous curbs didn’t apply to crude oil, which makes up the bulk of China’s energy exports to the North.

China accounts for nearly all of Pyongyang’s energy supplies and trade, making its enforcement key to sanctions aimed at discouraging leader Kim Jong Un from pursuing nuclear and missile technology.

The Security Council tightened sanctions on the North following its ballistic missile test on Nov. 29.

Beijing was long Pyongyang’s diplomatic protector, but has supported the UN sanctions out of frustration with what Chinese leaders see as increasingly reckless behaviour.

China has steadily increased economic pressure on Pyongyang while calling for dialogue to defuse the increasingly acrimonious dispute with U.S. President Donald Trump’s government.

On Friday, a foreign ministry spokesperson applauded news of possible talks between the North and South Korea’s government.

“We welcome the recent positive turn of events in the peninsular situation,” said Geng Shuang at a regular briefing held before the latest trade curbs were announced.

Geng expressed hope “all relevant parties” would take advantage of the upcoming Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, to “bring the issue back to the correct track of peaceful settlement through dialogue and consultation.”