A White House statement has declared the Trump Administration is “pleased” with China’s efforts to reduce trade with North Korea, as the United States increases pressure on China to put the squeeze on Pyongyang, the Financial Times reports.
“The Donald J. Trump Administration is pleased that China is sharply reducing its trade with North Korea. This action supports the United States-led global effort to apply maximum pressure until the North Korean regime ends its illicit programs, changes its behavior, and moves toward denuclearization of the Korean peninsula,” read the statement released by the White House press secretary.
China has been urging a softer approach to North Korea, focusing on dialog rather than sanctions due to its fear of sparking a humanitarian crisis on its border. But Washington has been pressuring Beijing to impose tough sanctions, to force Kim Jong Un’s regime to cease its nuclear provocations.