Analysts doubt new sanctions will stay Pyongyang’s hand
Observers say Security Council resolution is unlikely to make North Korea give up nuclear weapons programme
The United Nations Security Council has unanimously passed a resolution to expand sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea’s ability to fund its nuclear programme, but analysts are sceptical on how effective it will be.
The new resolution prohibits UN member states from buying coal, iron ore and other key commodities from North Korea, a move meant to cut the country’s export revenue by one third, or US$1 billion, annually, according to the Security Council. But the measure does not cover oil.
In a meeting in Manila hours after the adoption of the UN resolution on Sunday, Foreign Minister Wang Yi told his North Korean counterpart Ri Yong-ho that Pyongyang should stay calm.
“China urged the North Korean side to calmly face the new UN Security Council resolution, and not to do anything to violate it amid the strong opposition of the international community to [North Korea] launching a missile or [staging a] nuclear test,” Wang said after the meeting on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ foreign ministers meeting.
