The United States had been negotiating with China, Pyongyang’s sole major diplomatic ally, for five weeks on possible new sanctions.
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The Trump administration announced Thursday additional economic sanctions targeting companies that allegedly play a role in North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons, according to the Los Angeles Times.
Pyongyang has been testing its missiles at an unprecedented pace.
For instance, given that the April 4 test was reported to have “pinwheeled” in flight, North Korea may have encountered problems with flight stabilization for the new missile.
“The Trump administration is encouraged by China’s renewed commitment to work with the global community toward denuclearisation”, Mattis said.
The measures announced by the U.S. Treasury sanctioned Ardis-Bearings, which it said is based in Moscow, and its director, Igor Aleksandrovich Michurin, for acting as a supplier to a North Korean trading company involved in the country’s missile and weapons of mass destruction programs.
The Treasury Department said all three groups were found to have direct links to North Korea’s revenue from coal, metal and labor, as well as its energy and financial services industries.
But U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley said after Friday’s vote that “the Security Council is sending a clear message to North Korea today: Stop firing ballistic missiles or face the consequences”. There were discussions and many our concerns were taken into account.
Overall, Mr Mattis’ speech struck a positive, hopeful tone for co-operation and peace in the Asia-Pacific region, where he and his predecessors have made it a priority to nurture and strengthen alliances and partnerships.
“Our two countries can and do co-operate for mutual benefit. This is also a warning because the DPRK needs to understand that if it continues on this risky path we have no other choice than reinforcing the pressure again and again”, he said.
It allegedly works with a North Korean trading company, Tangun, which the US accuses of securing supplies for the nuclear program.
“We oppose countries militarising artificial islands and enforcing excessive maritime claims”, Mattis said. We can’t and we won’t accept that.
Malaysiakini will be 18 this year.
“As a Pacific nation, we have enduring interests and commitments in the Asia-Pacific region”, Mattis said aboard his aircraft, referring in part to USA defense treaties with Japan, South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines.
The United States was training and advising troops in the south of the Philippines, he added. In an interview with a Television channel yesterday, he said United States assumes that North Koea is getting better with each test.
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Philippine troops have been battling rebels owing allegiance to Islamic State for more than 10 days in a southern city.
