Kim Jong Un has made it clear that he doesn’t care about following the rules.
His continuance to develop and test nuclear weapons has isolated him from the rest of the world further than he was before.
And he just got some bad news from a country that will surprise you.
China has historically been North Korea’s closest ally.
Even when North Korea was involved in controversy, China stood by them.
But with the latest missile tests, and continuance to develop nuclear weapons, China has finally taken a stand.
Over the weekend China announced they are limiting energy supplies to North Korea and that they will stop buying their textiles.
This is devastating news to Kim Jong Un.
North Korea relies on China for almost all of its oil and gas, and textiles are believed to be North Korea’s biggest source of foreign revenue.
As reported by NBC News:
“China announced Saturday that it will limit energy supplies to North Korea and stop buying its textiles under U.N. sanctions imposed over its nuclear and missile development, further reducing support from Pyongyang’s last ally.
Exports of refined petroleum to the North will be limited to 2 million barrels per year, effective Jan. 1, the Commerce Ministry said. Sales of liquefied natural gas are banned outright.
North Korea depends on China for almost all its oil and gas but estimates of its consumption are low, leaving it unclear how Beijing’s new limit will affect them. The restrictions announced Saturday do not apply to crude oil, which makes up the biggest share of energy exports to the North.
China also will ban textile imports from the North, the ministry said. Textiles are believed to be the North’s biggest source of foreign revenue following rounds of U.N. sanctions under which Beijing cut off purchases of coal, iron ore, seafood and other goods.
China accounts for some 90 percent of the North’s trade, making its cooperation critical to efforts to derail Pyongyang’s nuclear and missile development.”
This is a clear threat to North Korea and may force them to back off their nuclear weapons program.
The already impoverished nation will face severe challenges following China’s surprising move.
The U.S. government’s Energy Information Agency estimated that in 2016 North Korea received 15,000 barrels of crude oil and 6,000 barrels of refined products from China.
That is the equivalent of almost 5.5 million barrels of crude oil, and 2.2 million barrels of refined products that year.
And North Korean textile imports in 2016 totaled $750 million, according to South Korea’s Trade-Investment Promotion Agency, with nearly 80 percent going to China.
It is clear North Korea will face major hardships with this crushing blow from China.
With China historically being their closest ally, it also creates uncertainty for North Korea’s ability to continue threatening the world.
The largest obstacle in past conflicts with North Korea was China, who would defend their ally.
This begs the question: Would China side with North Korea in a global crisis?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
