China ‘highly concerned’ over possible breach of UN sanctions on North Korea
Beijing says it is investigating report of ship-to-ship transfer in East China Sea
China is “highly concerned” about a reported ship-to-ship transfer on the high seas that could violate UN sanctions on North Korea and has launched an investigation, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.
“China is highly concerned about the situation and we are in the middle of an investigation,” Geng said at a regularly scheduled news conference.
Punishment of any Chinese entities found to have been involved would be carried out “based on solid evidence and in accordance with Chinese laws and regulations”, he said.
The unusually strong comments underscore Beijing’s extreme concern over being seen as not carrying out its responsibilities in enforcing UN sanctions, as pressure on China, North Korea’s main ally, has grown and become a point of tension with the US.
Though China is North Korea’s biggest trading partner and a traditional friend, ties between them have soured over the North’s nuclear and missile tests and its refusal to return to Chinese-hosted denuclearisation talks.
