China takes its first punitive action against North Korea.

Most US media outlets reported on May 7th that Bank of China Ltd (BOC) had informed North Korea's Foreign Trade Bank that its accounts would be closed and all financial transactions suspended.

The Los Angeles Times commented that this action is a clear sign that Beijing is increasingly frustrated with its neighboring ally.

This is the first significant and publicly announced step by China toward joining the international community in tightening sanctions against Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile programs.

China's actions could lead other banks in the region to reconsider their relationships with North Korea.

Furthermore, the report quoted Zhang Liangui, a North Korea expert at the Central Party School of China, as saying that this was a worthwhile action taken after careful consideration of political and interest factors.

According to (Vietnam+) - DT