SAN FRANCISCO, September 28, (THEWILL) – China has told North Korean companies operating in its territory to close down as it implements United Nations sanctions against the reclusive state.
The companies, including joint Chinese and North Korean ventures, will be forced to close by early January.
China, Pyongyang’s only major ally, has already banned textile trade and limited oil exports from North Korea which is politically and economically isolated as the vast majority of its trade is with China.
The UN Security Council, of which China is a member, voted unanimously for fresh sanctions on September 11 as part of an international response to North Korea’s sixth and most powerful nuclear test.
China’s commerce ministry said it had set a deadline of 120 days from the passing of the resolution for any North Korean companies within its borders to close.
Although, China has traditionally been protective of its neighbour, but has sharply criticised its nuclear tests and escalating rhetoric.
Earlier this year, it clamped down on its purchase of coal from Pyongyang and on seafood and iron trade across the border.
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