Russian trade w/ NK went up by 73% early this year as China cut trade w/ NK
tradehttps://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/07/russia-north-korea-trade-china/102605222/
Russia's boost in trade with North Korea worries U.S.
Oren Dorell, USA TODAYPublished 7:09 p.m. ET June 7, 2017 | Updated 7:14 p.m. ET June 7, 2017
The Trump administration and U.S. lawmakers expressed concern that Russia is increasing trade with North Korea as the United States demands the North roll back its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs.
The State Department and several U.S. officials responded after USA TODAY reported Monday that Russia boosted its trade with North Korea by 73% in the first two months of this year. Russia stepped in as China curbed its trade to the isolated nation after President Trump called for pressure on the North. China is North Korea's chief political and economic benefactor.
“We have seen reports about Russia apparently making up for China sanctions on North Korea,” State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said. “We are asking Russia to join us in showing North Korea that the only path to a secure, economically prosperous future is to abandon its unlawful programs that endanger international peace and security.”
Nauert added that it is unclear whether the Russian activity constitutes a violation of United Nations Security Council resolutions that imposed sanctions on North Korea, which Russia supported. “This is some new information that’s just coming out, so we’re continuing to take a look at that. We’re just starting," Nauert said.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2017/06/07/russia-north-korea-trade-china/102605222/ |
