The United States and its Asian allies have imposed sanctions on three senior North Korean officials associated with the country’s recent missile tests.
Pyongyang launched a record number of ballistic missiles – more than 60 – this year and tested several intercontinental missiles.
Jon Il Ho, Yu Jin and Kim Su Gil are said to have “played major roles” in the weapons development.
Japan, South Korea and the EU also imposed sanctions.
North Korea has been facing harsh sanctions imposed by Western countries for years. Under these new sanctions, all US-based assets of North Korean officials will be frozen. They will be prohibited from any transaction with any company or individual in the United States.
“Today’s actions were taken in close coordination with the Republic of Korea and Japan and further align our policies with our EU partners on the global threat from the DPRK,” the State Department said. American. said.
“These steps also underscore our continued determination to promote accountability in response to the pace, scale and range of ballistic missile launches from Pyongyang.”
The latest missile test came on Nov. 18 when Japan’s defence minister said North Korea had launched an intercontinental ballistic missile with sufficient range to hit the American mainland. It landed in the sea about 210 km (130 miles) west of Hokkaido, Tokyo said.
Pyongyang conducted six nuclear tests between 2006 and 2017 and reportedly completed preparations for a seventh test. Experts believe he could take the opportunity to test a compact atomic device. They also say North Korea is working to improve its short-range missiles and conventional military capabilities.
The country has become more assertive under Kim Jong-un, who has overseen much of the recent development of its weapons program, and four of the six nuclear tests so far.
“Recent launches demonstrate the need for all countries to fully implement UN Security Council resolutions, which seek to prevent the DPRK from acquiring the technologies, materials and revenues that Pyongyang needs to develop its prohibited WMD and ballistic missile capabilities,” according to a US report. Cash statement.
However, some US analysts say such sanctions are symbolic and have not changed Pyongyang’s behaviour.
“We (the United States) can sanction North Korea as much as we want. But to have any real impact, we should also suspend access to US dollar correspondent banks from mainland Chinese institutions that handle North Korea’s money. Kim’s regime” said Sean King, consultant at Park Strategies.
