US to start ‘disrupting’ North Korean oil smuggling

https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/defense-national-security/us-to-start-disrupting-north-korean-oil-smuggling

Recently the UN Ambassador to the United States accused Russia of transferring oil to North Korean tankers, defying sanctions. In addition, in the beginning of the year Japan published photographic evidence of a Chinese vessel also transferring oil in breach of the sanctions. Since then, the United States have conducted an analysis that concluded North Korea exceeded their cap on oil. Both China and Russia vehemently deny the allegations. In response, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, and America pledged enhanced surveillance of North Korean oil tankers, consequently straining the relationship further with Russia and China.
Keeping in mind America and China's already strained relationship, I agree with the assessment Americas actions will only further worsen the relationship. From what I understand, both Russia and China have the kind of relationship with North Korea where North Korea's actions are publicly admonished, but both countries enjoy the perks of trading and other factors. In terms of the argument of not knowing whether or not North Korea is actually using the oil they have procured to build ballistics and such, I think their previous actions speak for themselves.

--Jennie Fry