China is to stop imports of coal, iron, iron ore and seafood from North Korea. This is an implementation of UN import sanctions, which were imposed in response to North Korea’s two missile tests last month.
China accounts for more than 90% of North Korea’s international trade.
China had pledged to fully enforce the sanctions, after the USA accused it of not doing enough to control its neighbour.
Economic impact
The UN approved sanctions which could cost the country $1bn (£770m) a year in revenue, according to the figures provided to the Security Council by the US delegation.
Although coal imports to China from North Korea totalled $1.2bn last year, the figure will be much lower this year because China had already imposed a ban in February, experts said.