Beijing: The Cost of Implementing North Korean Sanctions Falls on China

China's Foreign Minister states that Beijing bears the highest cost of the new UN sanctions against North Korea due to its close economic ties with Pyongyang, while emphasizing that China has always implemented the resolutions. The UN Security Council unanimously imposed new sanctions on North Korea on Saturday due to its continued missile tests, which could reduce the country's annual export revenue of $3 billion by one third. Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, said on Tuesday, August 8, at a regional security meeting in Manila, Philippines, that the new resolution reflects China's and the international community's opposition to North Korea's ongoing missile tests. According to Reuters, he added, 'Given China's traditional economic relationship with North Korea, it is Beijing that bears the cost of implementing the resolution.' The Chinese Foreign Minister also stated, 'However, in order to protect the nuclear non-proliferation regime and peace and stability in the region, China will fully and resolutely implement the provisions of this resolution.' Beijing, which is North Korea's only major ally, has repeatedly stated its commitment to enforcing the UN's strict resolutions against Pyongyang, although it has reminded that 'normal' trade with the North Korean people should not be harmed. The new sanctions prohibit North Korea from exporting coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore, and seafood. Countries are also prohibited from increasing the number of North Korean workers in their territory, and forming any joint ventures with North Korea or making new investments in joint companies with the country is banned. Nikki Haley, the US Ambassador to the UN, stated on Tuesday to NBC that 'what this resolution does is send a strong and united message.' She added that Washington is waiting for these sanctions to be implemented. Donald Trump, the US President, praised other countries for their responses to North Korea's missile program. He tweeted, 'After years of failure, countries are finally responding together to the dangers posed by North Korea. We must be tough and resolute!' The US mission to the UN stated that the Trump administration will have 'all options on the table' for dealing with North Korea and noted that Kim Jong-un, the North Korean leader, 'should think about whether he can win a war if he wants to attack the United States.' North Korea has not attempted to hide its program to develop missiles capable of carrying nuclear weapons to target the US and has ignored international calls to halt its missile and nuclear programs.