The Trump administration is ramping up its maximum pressure campaign on North Korea.
It's imposing fresh sanctions against firms and personnel for engaging in illicit trade with the regime.
The move comes amid speculation the U.S. is turning the economic screws to force the North's hand on denuclearization.
Kim Hyo-sun reports.
The U.S. Treasury Department has imposed sanctions on three shipping companies and one individual for violating restrictions on trade with North Korea.
China's Dalian Sun Moon Star International Logistics Trading Company, its Singapore-based affiliate SINSMS and Profinet, a Russian company, as well as its director general were targets of the fresh sanctions.
The U.S. Treasury Department explained in a statement that these companies engaged in illicit trade with Pyongyang,... adding it will freeze their assets within the U.S. and ban them from doing business with Americans.
It also made clear that such a measure is in line with UN Security Council sanctions,... and highlights Washington's intent to block money flowing into the regime which can be used for developing weapons of mass destruction.
The Trump administration also slapped sanctions on companies and individuals earlier this month for illegally trading with Pyongyang.
Pundits see such continued pressure as signs that the North and the U.S. may sit down for denuclearization talks soon,... including another visit by U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to Pyongyang.
Kim Hyo-sun, Arirang News.