China insists coal imports do not breach North Korea nuclear sanctions
Beijing argues UN embargo allows for a ‘cushioning’ period after figures show it imported fuel from its neighbour in August
China has dismissed concerns that it has violated United Nations sanctions against North Korea, after customs data showed that it imported coal from the reclusive state in August.
Ministry of Commerce spokesman Gao Feng said China had comprehensively implemented United Nations sanctions on North Korea.
Gao told reporters in Beijing that UN sanctions gave a “cushioning” or buffer period for the implementation of the ban on coal and seafood imports from North Korea.
The comment was in response to a question about data from China’s customs administration showing it imported 1.6 million tonnes of coal from North Korea in August.
The consignment was the first since February, when Beijing banned fuel purchases from its neighbour.
The commerce ministry said in August it would allow any cargoes that were already at port to clear customs as usual before the UN sanctions – imposed following a series of nuclear and missile tests – came into force on September 5.