U.S., China agree to impose tough restrictions on N. Korea's mineral exports

As the countdown to the final agreement and adoption of the new UN resolution imposing sanctions on North Korea for its fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9 has begun, the United Nations Security Council is expected to vote as early as next week.

Among five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5), the U.S. and China have agreed on new UN sanctions to strictly restrict North Korea’s main exporting items such as coal and iron, and Britain and Russia have given consent to the resolution, a high-ranking UN official said. "Russia is now organizing its position. If Russia agrees to the new sanctions, a blueprint for a draft resolution agreed by P5 will be made and sent out to non-permanent members (10 countries) immediately and the Security Council could vote after having discussions at the plenary session as early as next week," the UN official said. “It is highly likely that the resolution will be unanimously adopted according to the custom."

Reuters cited a source as saying that the draft resolution, which both the U.S. and China have agreed, closes loopholes in previous UN sanctions imposed on North Korea and it also lists new names of North Korean officials for targeted sanctions of a global travel ban and asset freeze.

The UN resolution 2270 was adopted after North Korea’s fourth nuclear test (Jan. 6) and it mandates countries to inspect all cargo to and from North Korea, cut off shipments of aircraft and rocket fuel, and imposes restrictions on coal imports from the country. However, the resolution has an exceptional clause. The importing North Korean coal, iron, and iron ore is banned unless such transactions were for “livelihood purposes” as insisted by China. Experts pointed out that such exception made the North continue mineral exports.

"The UN Security Council would soon pass the resolution and the government plans to announce its own sanctions against the North right after the adoption," South Korean foreign ministry spokesman Cho June-hyeok said. Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, and two foreigners who helped the North to develop nuclear missiles will be included to the restriction list of the South Korean government.

Hyong-gwon Pu bookum90@donga.com · Won-Jae Jang peacechaos@donga.com