China implements some recent UN DPRK sanctions

China has begun to implement the most recent wave of UN sanctions on North Korea, imposed by a resolution passed on 6 August (see previous blog). Yesterday, its Commerce Ministry authorised the implementation of the new prohibitions on North Korean exports of coal, iron, iron ore, lead, lead ore, and seafood. Cargo already en route to China will be cleared as usual before the deadline for implementing the new sanctions passes on 6 September.

China has yet to begin implementation of other elements of the new sanctions, which include a ban on increasing the total number of work authorisations for North Koreans without approval from the Security Council committee and a ban on the opening of new joint ventures or expansion of existing joint ventures with North Korean firms or people.