US sanctions China-based network over N. Korea support

AFP | Washington, United States

The Daily Tribune - www.newsofbahrain.com

The United States unveiled sanctions Wednesday against a network of half a dozen people and five firms in China it accuses of supporting North Korea's ballistic missile and space programs.

The network is alleged to have helped North Korea with procuring items for its ballistic missile programs, which the US Treasury Department said were being operated in "flagrant violation" of UN Security Council resolutions.

North Korea's continued development of its ballistic missile technologies "is both irresponsible and destabilizing for both the region and the international community," Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson said in a statement.

"The United States remains committed to using our tools to enforce these international sanctions, including disrupting the illicit procurement networks that provide key inputs for these technologies," he added. Beijing's foreign ministry hit back Thursday, saying it "opposes illegal unilateral sanctions."

"China always conscientiously implements UN Security Council resolutions and fulfils its own international obligations, and is committed to upholding peace and stability on the (Korean) peninsula," ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said at a news conference. "Indiscriminately imposing sanctions cannot resolve peninsular issues," she said.