It's been about a month... since the UN Security
Council implemented the toughest set of sanctions
to date on North Korea... and the UNSC is
further tightening the screws.
We're learning today that the United Nations
is set to add even MORE items on North Korea's
sanctions list... on top of China's rare announcement
of trade restrictions on Pyongyang.
Our foreign affairs correspondent Kwon Soa
is live in the studio to discuss international
measures on the reclusive state and how effective
they are proving to be... on the ground.
Soa,... first, China.
It took a major step in implementing UNSC
sanctions last night.
Is it an indication that North Korea's only
ally is finally on the same page as South
Korea, the U.S., and other nations... pushing
to pur more pressure on Pyongyang so that
the leadership gives up its nuclear ambitions?
Yes, Conn-young....
There was some doubt about whether China would
actually get tough on the regime, since it's
North Korea's closest ally.
Beijing's commerce ministry has placed trade
restrictions on 25 North Korean items... including
rare earth minerals and gold, as well as exports
of jet fuel.
South Korea and the U.S. were quick to welcome
the move.
"It's the first time since the UN sanctions
took effect in March that China, on its own,
has made such an announcement.
We believe the measures will gain international
consensus and make an important contribution
to the full implementation of sanctions."
The U.S. expressed optimism over China's cooperation
in curtailing the North's nuclear weapons
program...
but also urged it to do more,... until Pyongyang
has no other option but to denuclearize.
For Beijing, this kind of statement could
be a burden.
"China is annoyed by the fact that it's often
held responsible for Pyongyang's behavior.
It's a burden.
If North Korea conducts a fifth nuclear test,...
China feels it will be held accountable, again."
