- Washington Targets Vessels Exporting North Korean Coal and Iron Ore.
- U.S. Official Says Action Aims to Ensure Accountability.
- Russia and China’s Support Remains Uncertain.
In the next few days, the United States plans to ask a U.N. Security Council committee to impose sanctions on seven ships that are suspected of breaching U.N. sanctions against North Korea, according to a State Department official who spoke on Monday. These vessels are accused of illegally exporting North Korean coal and iron ore to China, a trade that reportedly brings in between $200 million and $400 million each year for Pyongyang, according to the official, who requested anonymity, reports Reuters.
U.S. Official Highlights Purpose of the Move
“These nominations are not just bureaucratic exercises. They’re about ensuring accountability for U.N. sanctions violations and stopping exports that directly fund North Korea’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs,” the official said.
Russian and Chinese Positions Remain Unclear
The 15-member Security Council’s sanctions committee operates on a consensus basis, and it’s still uncertain whether Russia and China will back the U.S. proposal. Both countries, which are seen as close allies of North Korea, have not yet responded to inquiries from their U.N. missions in New York.
Longstanding Sanctions and Current Deadlock
North Korea has been under U.N. sanctions since 2006 due to its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. Over the years, these measures have been tightened, but the council is currently at an impasse as Beijing and Moscow push for easing restrictions to encourage North Korea to return to denuclearisation talks. The existing sanctions include bans on North Korean exports like coal, iron, lead, textiles, and seafood, as well as limits on crude oil and refined petroleum imports.
Measures Possible Under U.N. Authority
If the proposal is approved, the Security Council could freeze the assets of the ships, prohibit them from entering ports, and require their flag states to “de-flag” the vessels. The United States has indicated for months that it intended to propose new vessel designations, but it’s unclear why this action is being taken at this moment.
Growing Concerns Over North Korea’s Advancements
Despite diplomatic efforts from U.S. President Donald Trump, North Korea, which is armed with nuclear weapons, has made significant advancements in its missile and conventional military capabilities.
“If there are no consequences for violations, sanctions risk becoming meaningless, and threats to international peace and security like the DPRK nuclear and ballistic missile programs will continue to grow unchecked,” said the State Department official, referring to the country’s formal name, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea.
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Source: Reuters
