North Korea must face some punitive actions for its nuclear test, China s U.N. ambassador said Tuesday, suggesting that Beijing may be willing to back some form of Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang. Ambassador Wang Guangya told reporters that the Security Council must provide a firm, constructive, appropriate, but prudent response to North Korea. I think there has to be some punitive actions, but also I think these actions have to be appropriate, he said. Wang spoke before a meeting of the five permanent members of the Security Council United States, China, Britain, France, and Russia plus Japan to discuss a U.S.-proposed draft resolution. It seeks to interdict North Korea shipping, crack down on illegal financial dealings, and would impose a variety of sanctions, including a ban on imports of military goods and luxury items. While the United States and its Western allies want a swift, tough resolution, the question has been how much punishment China would allow. China has been North Korea s major ally and a source of both food and fuel for the impoverished country. Wang s remarks suggested that Beijing will at least allow some strength in the resolution.
