Washington. The Trump administration launched a new round of sanctions on North Korea Friday in response to continued development of it’s nuclear ballistic missile program.
In the action taken by the US Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control, sanctions target 11 North Korean officials accused of procuring missile components in Russia, China, Vietnam and Cuba.
US Treasury Secretary Mnuchin indicated the sanctions were “aimed at disrupting the networks and methods that the Government of North Korea employs to fund its unlawful nuclear, ballistic missile, and proliferation programs.”
Of concern to the Trump administration was the launch of three missiles in tests by North Korea in the last month, provoking deep concern from US regional allies.
The American Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has indicated that the Obama administration’s policy of “strategic patience” would not be continued in the Trump administration-going so far as to say military options would be “on the table” if this activity continues.
North Korea’s nuclear missile program is expected to be central to discusions between President Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at next weeks meeting at Trump’s estate in Florida.