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Agence France-Presse

The White House on Friday welcomed news of a sharp drop in Chinese trade with North Korea, saying it would help put pressure on Kim Jong-un’s regime.
China reported earlier that its imports from North Korea plunged 33 per cent last year – and 81.6 per cent in December.
President Donald Trump’s “administration is pleased that China is sharply reducing its trade with North Korea,” the White House said in a statement.
“This action supports the United States-led global effort to apply maximum pressure until the North Korean regime ends its illicit programmes, changes its behaviour and moves toward denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula.”


Trump has leaned heavily on China to use its economic clout to rein in North Korea, but Kim has shown no sign of halting Pyongyang’s race to become a nuclear power capable of striking the United States.
In 2017, it conducted tests of intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of hitting the United States as well as its sixth and most powerful nuclear test.
After months of soaring tensions, North Korea agreed this week to send athletes to the Winter Olympics in South Korea, in what was seen as a potential sign of a cooling-off period.
More nuke tests likely as North Korea tunnels further into ‘tired mountain’
The United States and South Korea reciprocated by calling off military exercises during the Olympics.
On Wednesday, Trump told South Korean President Moon Jae-in the United States was open to holding talks with North Korea “under the right circumstances,” according to the White House.
But White House press secretary Sarah Sanders said the two leaders, who spoke by telephone, also “underscored the importance of continuing the maximum pressure campaign against North Korea.”
Kim’s Olympic olive branch reflects confidence, not a desire to denuclearise
On Thursday, Trump suggested in an interview with The Wall Street Journal that he could have a good relationship with Kim, though he was vague about the extent of his dealings with the North Korean leader.
“I probably have a very good relationship with Kim Jong-un,” Trump said.
“I have relationships with people. I think you people are surprised.”


A senior US official said Thursday the United States plans to lobby allies at a major meeting next week to stop and inspect suspect ships bound for North Korea.
This comes after a Hong Kong-registered tanker was seized by South Korea for allegedly selling oil to North Korea.


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Why South Korea needs to reassess its hardline stance against Pyongyang

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North Korea nuclear crisis

White House hails drop in Chinese trade with North Korea

Trucks are seen driving across the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge from China’s Dandong towards North Korea's Sinuiju in this photo taken in September 2017. China reported its imports from North Korea plunged 81.6 per cent in December. Photo: Kyodo