Nikkei Asian Review: Beijing may cut crude oil to Pyongyang, says Chinese expert
China turns the screw on North Korea to prevent another nuclear test
BEIJING -- China likely will halt crude oil exports to North Korea should Pyongyang conduct its sixth nuclear test, a prominent Chinese expert told The Nikkei, signaling a tougher attitude by Beijing toward its rogue neighbor.
A nuclear test or the launch of intercontinental ballistic missiles would violate United Nations Security Council resolutions, and China is certain to respond with additional sanctions, said Zhang Liangui, a professor at the Chinese Communist Party's Central Party School and noted authority on North Korea.
The option to cut off the North's crude supply will be put on the table, Zhang said, while stressing that the Chinese government will ultimately decide its course of action.
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WNU Editor: This is the ultimate leverage that China has over North Korea (short of invading the country). Will North Korea call this bluff? I guess we will have to wait and see.
