US confronts Russia, China over North Korea sanctions at UN
While the US insists on maintaining sanctions on North Korea, China and Russia say the Security Council should reward North Korea for “positive progress” following the Trump-Kim summit.
On September 27, at a meeting of the United Nations Security Council, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned council members, including his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi sitting across from him, that “enforcement of Security Council sanctions must continue vigorously and successfully until we see final, fully verified denuclearization.”
“Council members must lead by example in this effort,”South China Morning Postquoted Mr. Pompeo as he chaired a meeting of the 15-member Security Council.
The US Secretary of State said Washington had evidence of violations of sanctions on North Korea's oil imports and coal exports. Earlier this month, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley accused Russia of violating sanctions.
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| US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo chaired a meeting of Security Council members on September 27. Photo:Reuters. |
Meanwhile, according to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Council should consider easing tough measures against North Korea because of “positive developments” following the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore in June.
China's stance is supported by Russia, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying Moscow believes some sanctions unrelated to Pyongyang's nuclear program could be eased.
“Increasing sanctions go beyond cutting off funding for the banned nuclear programs and in fact pose a threat to the citizens of the DPRK and will bring humanitarian and socio-economic suffering,” Lavrov said, adding that the Security Council should send a clear signal to encourage positive dynamics on the Korean peninsula.
China believes that sanctions enforcement should be carried out in conjunction with diplomatic efforts to persuade Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear and missile programs.
“China firmly believes that pressure is not the end point. Both enforcing sanctions and promoting political stability are equally important,” Wang said.
He referred to the provision in Security Council resolutions that allows for sanctions to be adjusted if North Korea complies. The Chinese foreign minister said the council “should consider invoking this provision in a timely manner to encourage North Korea and relevant parties to advance the denuclearization process.”
