[Yonhap News Photo]
South Korea on Friday blacklisted dozens of new entities accused of supporting North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs that included a Chinese firm for the first time.
The number of those subject to South Korea's independent sanctions increased from 43 people and 34 entities to 79 people and 69 entities, including China's Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development and four of its executives.
Dandong Hongxiang, which is suspected of exporting a nuclear bomb ingredient to North Korea, was already blacklisted by Washington in September, but it's the first time a Chinese firm has been included in South Korea's independent sanctions.
Seoul's decision to include a Chinese firm was aimed at sending a strong message to the international community that it would take retaliatory steps against foreign firms aiding North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
"From now, we will take stern action against individuals and entities supporting North Korea's illegal activities, regardless of nationality," South Korea said in a statement.
Newly included in the South Korean list were two close aides for leader Kim Jong-un -- Choe Ryong-hae, a vice central committee chairman of the ruling Workers' Party, and Vice Marshal Hwang Pyong-so, director of the military's general political bureau.
South Korean sanctions focus on restricting the shipment of coal and garment as well as labor exports, which have been the main source of hard currency for Pyongyang.
Aju News Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
