The United States government has imposed sanctions on Chinese and Russian entities accused of helping North Korea develop its nuclear program, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin announced on Tuesday.
The Treasury introduced penalties on ten companies and six individuals that help Pyongyang develop missile and nuclear weapons by supplying raw materials or conducting business that enabled the country to secure funding for the program. The move comes as Donald Trump's administration tries to exert pressure on North Korea following its recent intercontinental ballistic missile test that was estimated to have the range to reach the US.
"It is unacceptable for individuals and companies in China, Russia, and elsewhere to enable North Korea to generate income used to develop weapons of mass destruction and destabilize the region," Mnuchin said, adding that the actions taken today are consistent with United Nations sanctions.
