[Yonhap News Photo]
In a rare attack on its traditional ally and economic lifeline, North Korea blasted China for taking "non-humanitarian" steps to impose a trade embargo, referring to the suspension of coal imports.
The attack, launched by Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), came after Beijing announced a ban on coal imports from North Korea for the rest of 2017 in the latest of punitive measures against Pyongyang.
Encouraged by the recent launch of a new missile called "Pukguksong-2", Kim ordered the development of a surface-to-surface missile with extended range, based on the test of a submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) in August last year, according to Pyongyang's state media.
China has promised to comply with a UN resolution adopted in November that focused on drying up North Korea's foreign currency earnings.
Without mentioning China, KCNA accused North Korea's "friendly neighbor" for undercutting the significance of its Pukguksong-2 test launch.
"Especially on the pretext of a UN resolution on sanctions, it is unhesitatingly taking non-humanitarian steps to block off foreign trade related to the improvement of the livelihood of our people," it said.
KCNA accused China of siding with enemies seeking to overthrow its system, dancing to the US tune. "We will safeguard peace and stability in Northeast Asia and the world with our own power."
South Korea praised China for demonstrating its strong will to join international sanctions against North Korea with effective trade restrictions, saying coal is North Korea's main export and an important source of foreign currency for its moribund economy.
China is North Korea's only major ally, but their relations have become strained since leader Kim Jong-un came to power following the sudden death of his father in late 2011. In internal gatherings, Chinese officials voiced growing frustration with Kim's push for nuclear and ballistic missile programs.
Lim Chang-won = cwlim34@ajunews.com
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
