News / China / Koreas

China prohibits exports of dual-use technologies to North Korea

Wednesday, 15 June 2016 6:14 PM [ Last Update: Wednesday, 15 June 2016 6:15 PM ]

This undated picture released from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on March 11, 2016 shows a North Korean tank competing in the KPA (Korean People's Army) tank crew competition, at an undisclosed location. (AFP photo)

China has banned exports of several technologies that could be used for both military and peaceful purposes to North Korea, in reaction to Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Ring magnets, high strength aluminum alloys, laser welding equipment, and several compounds that can be used to produce nuclear and chemical weapons are among the "dual use" prohibited goods, according to a statement issued by China’s Ministry of Commerce late Tuesday.

China has been North Korea’s most important ally and largest trading partner, but it backed UN sanctions against Pyongyang in a Security Council vote in March 2015, in reaction to its neighbor’s nuclear tests and long-range missile launches.

North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2005 and carried out four nuclear weapons tests -- in 2006, 2009, 2013 and 2016.

Pyongyang also launched a long-range rocket February this year, which it said was aimed at placing an earth observation satellite into orbit. The US and South Korea denounced the move as a cover for an intercontinental ballistic missile test.

North Korea says it is strengthening its defense capabilities to protect itself against hostile countries, including the US, accusing Washington of plotting with regional allies to topple its government.

The country has been targeted with international sanctions over its nuclear and missile activities. Back in March, the United Nations Security Council unanimously approved the toughest sanctions on Pyongyang in two decades.

Press TV’s website can also be accessed at the following alternate addresses:

www.presstv.co.uk