18 July, 2017
China, North Korea's neighbor and closest ally, is responsible for 90 percent of trade with the country.
"After North Korea's frequent missile tests including its very first ICBM test, the global community has vowed to tighten sanctions and China simply can not exclude itself from the recent movement, although it probably does not want to indefinitely cut off fuel sales to the North", Kang said.
Iron ore imports from North Korea surged, with China arguing that the United Nations sanctions resolution allows for trade if the income is used for the livelihood of civilians.
The council also said it opposed a military solution to the North Korea problem and kept the door open to dialogue.
"We hope all relevant sides can make sure that they are clear that Security Council sanctions imposed on North Korea are not comprehensive economic sanctions". But U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley told the council earlier this month that if it is united, the global community can cut off major sources of hard currency to North Korea, restrict oil to its military and weapons programs, increase air and maritime restrictions, and hold senior officials accountable.
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The Japanese government sees the threat from North Korea rising to a new level as the reclusive nation makes steady progress in its nuclear and missile development program, according to a draft of a white paper on defense for 2017. But Chinese leaders are reluctant to push Pyongyang too hard for fear Kim's government might collapse.
In the first six months of this year, trade between China and North Korea increased 10.5 percent to $2.5 billion, compared to the same period last year, according to official figures from Beijing. He complained that indicated Beijing was failing to do enough. The Data Base Centre for North Korean Human Rights has estimated that the North Koreans in Russian Federation provide their government with an estimated $120 million a year.
Huang said month-on-month figures showed an even sharper decline. It would leave larger Chinese banks untouched for now, the official said.
"Trade related to the people's livelihood in North Korea, especially if it embodies humanitarian principles, should not be affected by sanctions", said Huang at a separate news briefing.
