U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously hailed China’s efforts to put pressure on North Korea, criticized Beijing on Thursday for failing to cut off Pyongyang’s oil supply. He noted that lack of action prevented a “friendly solution” of the crisis.
Mr. Trump did not directly threaten to launch military action to resolve the crisis, but in recent months, Washington has promised to “utterly destroy” the regime of Kim Jong-Un if war breaks out.
South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo, citing government sources in Seoul, reported earlier this week that U.S. satellites had spotted Chinese ships selling oil to North Korean vessels dozens of times since October.
It was not immediately clear if Mr. Trump was referring to the report or U.S. intelligence in his tweet, or if he was accusing China — the North’s main ally — of directly violating sanctions targeting Pyongyang.
Last week, the United Nations Security Council — with China’s backing — slapped new sanctions on North Korea that will restrict oil supplies vital for Pyongyang’s missile and nuclear programs.
The U.S.-drafted resolution bans the supply of nearly 75 percent of refined oil products to North Korea, puts a cap on crude deliveries and orders North Korean nationals working abroad to be sent back by the end of 2019.