WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping on Friday agreed to respond to North Korean “provocations” with an “impactful” UN Security Council resolution, the White House said.
“The leaders emphasized the importance of a strong and united international response to North Korea’s provocations, including through an impactful UN Security Council Resolution.”
Pyongyang held a nuclear test on January 6 and this week announced the upcoming launch of a satellite-bearing rocket, which the West sees as a cover for a ballistic missile test in violation of UN Security Council resolutions.
The Obama administration has pressed China to use its influence with its neighbor, which is heavily dependent on Beijing aid.
Washington wants to see a UN resolution that would spell punitive sanctions on the North.
China has protected Pyongyang from harsher sanctions in the past.
