China threatens action if North Korea nuclear test proceeds

China has been pushing North Korea to abandon plans for a third nuclear test in closed-door diplomatic meetings between the two countries, Reuters reported, citing anonymous sources. China threatened to take punitive action should North Korea proceed with the tests, according to one source. The punishment would be economic but would not affect food and essential supplies. Imports of minerals or “special local products” could be cut, said Jin Canrong, associate dean of the School of International Studies at Renmin University. China could also support further UN sanctions on North Korea if a test goes forward. China is concerned about a radiation leak from the test or environmental damage to the Changbai Mountain that lies on its border with North Korea and was damaged in tests held in 2006 and 2009. China is a key provider to North Korea, exporting US$2.28 billion in goods to the country in 2011.