The Chinese government announced on Thursday that it will cooperate with harsh US-led sanctions imposed by the United Nations last week, ordering the closure of all North Korean-based businesses throughout China within the next 120 days.
According to ABC News, the new policies from Beijing will effectively suffocate the North Korean economy; severely limiting the hermit kingdom’s ability to import food, fuel, and other necessities.
The measure also applies to companies partially owned by North Korean entities.
The tough UN sanctions were adopted after North Korea continued to expand its illegal weapons programs; conducting a successful hydrogen bomb test and launching a medium-range ballistic missile over Japanese territory.
President Trump called-out the Korean dictator during his address to the United Nations General Assembly, saying the United States was prepared to “totally destroy” North Korea should they continue down this path.
In response, North Korea’s Foreign Minister called Trump’s comments a “declaration of war” and said his regime was prepared to shoot down all US aircraft operating in the region.
China is North Korea’s largest trading partner and military ally, and supplies most of the communist nation’s energy supplies, textiles, and food aid. Beijing announced it will severely cut gas and refined oil shipments to North Korea starting January 1st.