Beijing protests against sanctions US imposed on Chinese companies for their ties with North Korea

Beijing. February 26. Silkroadnews - Beijing has protested against Washington’s decision to impose sanctions against Chinese companies accused of conducting illicit economic deals with North Korea, the foreign ministry said, Inquirer.net reports.
On Friday US President Donald Trump announced measures targeting more than 50 shipping companies and trade enterprises related to North Korea, “heaviest sanctions ever” levied on the nuclear-armed regime, the publication reads.
The measures, the US says are aimed at forcing Pyongyang to halt developing nuclear weapons, will apply to companies located or registered in North Korea, China, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Marshall Islands, Tanzania, Panama and the Comoros.
“China is strongly opposed to the United States’ long-arm jurisdiction and unilateral sanctions on Chinese entities and individuals,” the agency quoted Geng Shuang, foreign ministry spokesman, saying.
“We have lodged solemn representations to the United States and asked the U.S. to immediately cease the wrong practice so as to avoid undermining relevant cooperation between the two sides. We will never allow Chinese citizens or companies to be engaged in activities that violate resolutions from the United Nations Security Council,” he added.
Washington claims its latest measures are aimed at organizations that helped Pyongyang avoid UN sanctions.
The North Korean military and civilian economy depends on imports of coal and oil from Russia and China, with the latter accounting for about 90% of the country’s total trade.
Last year, the Security Council adopted a series of resolutions banning North Korean exports of goods, including coal, iron and steel.