Trump has been frustrated that China has not done more to rein in North Korea
US President Donald Trump has commended China and Russia for their support on a US-drafted resolution ramping up sanctions on North Korea, saying he “appreciates” their votes.
“The President appreciates China’s and Russia’s cooperation in securing passage of this resolution, ” read a White House statement released after the UN Security Council’s unanimous passage of the sweeping measures.
“He will continue working with allies and partners to increase diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea to end its threatening and destabilising behaviour.”
Watch: Trump imposes tough new sanctions on North Korea
Trump has been frustrated that China has not done more to rein in North Korea and Washington has threatened to impose new sanctions on Chinese firms doing business with Pyongyang.
China has also been upset by possible moves by the Trump administration to exert trade pressure on Beijing .
Trump had earlier tweeted his support for the tough new sanctions.
“The United Nations Security Council just voted 15-0 to sanction North Korea. China and Russia voted with us. Very big financial impact!” he said on Twitter.
The sanctions against North Korea for its escalating nuclear and missile programmes include a ban on coal and other exports worth over $1 billion – a huge bite in its total exports, valued at US$3 billion last year.
