The US President has announced plans to launch the “largest ever” package of sanctions against North Korea.
Donald Trump is hoping to crack down with new sanctions that will target over 50 vessels, shipping and trading companies, which according to the US, have been used by North Korea to evade international sanctions.
“Today I am announcing that we are launching the largest-ever set of new sanctions on the North Korean regime,” Trump will say, in a speech that has been released by The White House.
“The treasury department will soon be taking new action to further cut off sources of revenue and fuel that the regime uses to fund its nuclear programme and sustain its military by targeting 56 vessels, shipping companies, and trade businesses that are assisting North Korea in evading sanctions.”
Trump has already had a particularly rocky relationship with North Korea, previously using Twitter to threaten Kim Jong-un.
“Presidents and their administrations have been talking to North Korea for 25 years, agreements made and massive amounts of money paid” he tweeted in October. “…Hasn’t worked, agreements violated before the ink was dry, making fools of U.S. negotiators. Sorry, but only one thing will work!”
Last year North Korea tested a long-range missile thought capable of reaching Washington, leading to concerns in the US.
Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump, is currently in South Korea attending the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics.
“I am honoured to lead the US delegation to the closing ceremonies of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics,” said Ivanka Trump said in a White House press statement. “We look forward to congratulating Team USA and celebrating all that our athletes have achieved.”
Vice-President Mike Pence was in South Korea before the opening but no meetings have been made with North Korean officials.