China bans exports to North Korea with potential dual use in weapons of mass destruction

• China's Ministry of Commerce gave details of 32 materials, technologies and forms of equipment with potential use related to weapons of mass destruction, and outlined bans on items with potential dual use in conventional weapons.
• The announcement of the export bans comes amid a tightening of exports from China to North Korea. China's exports of fuel to North Korea slowed to a trickle in February.

Chinese vendors sell North Korea and China flags on the boardwalk in the border city of Dandong, China.

Kevin Frayer | Getty Images

China has banned exports of items to North Korea with potential dual use in weapons of mass
destruction, the Chinese Ministry of Commerce said in a statement on its website posted late Sunday.

The list of items reflects a U.N. Security Council resolution adopted unanimously in September over North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programmes.

The ministry gave details of 32 materials, technologies and forms of equipment with potential use related to weapons of mass destruction, including particle accelerators and centrifuges.

In addition, it outlined bans on items with potential dual use in conventional weapons.

The announcement of the export bans comes amid a tightening of exports from China to North Korea. China's exports of fuel to North Korea slowed to a trickle in February.

North Korea is reportedly prepared to discuss denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula when its leader, Kim Jong Un, meets U.S. President Donald Trump.