China May Participate in Talks With S Korea, US on N Korea Sanctions

China is ready to consider participation in the trilateral talks with South Korea and the United States on the implementation of new UN sanctions against North Korea, Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs Kim Hong-kyun said Saturday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, South Korea came up with a proposal to hold talks between the United States, South Korea and China.

"In response, the Chinese side said it will review the proposal in an open-minded manner," Kim said, as quoted by the Yonhap news agency.

According to the special representative, China, which accounts for some 90 percent of North Korea's external trade, could contribute to ensure the effectiveness of UN sanctions on Pyongyang.

North Korea's January hydrogen bomb test, as well as the February launch of a long-range rocket to allegedly place a satellite into orbit, in defiance of UN Security Council (UNSC) resolutions, led to the introduction of more sanctions against North Korea by the UNSC.

On Wednesday, the Obama administration announced a new round of sanctions targeting North Korea’s trade in metal, graphite, coal and software, and revenue sent by workers abroad.

The sanctions block property and interests in property of the North Korean government as well as of 20 of the country’s vessels. Moreover, the measures prohibit exports or reexports of goods, services and technology to North Korea and new investments by US persons regardless of where they are located.