The United States is seeking a vote on North Korea by Friday, despite opposition from China to some of the economic and weapons sanctions aimed at punishing Pyongyang for its reported nuclear test. A new draft resolution is expected to be formally introduced to the 15-member U.N. Security Council on Thursday by U.S. Ambassador John Bolton, leaving members 24 hours to consult before a vote. China has used forceful language to condemn North Korea since the reported test on Monday, but has offered mixed responses to whether it would back tough sanctions against its client state. Beijing has agreed to some punitive measures against Pyongyang, but the new U.S.-drafted resolution changes few provisions China had previously opposed. We do recognize, acknowledge that they have made some effort, but in our view, we would have to ask them to make further efforts, Japanese U.N. Ambassador Kenzo Oshima said of China after another round of discussions late Wednesday. The new resolution would impose an arms embargo, a ban on any transfer or development of weapons of mass destruction as well as a ban on the sale of luxury goods to North Korea. It also would freeze funds of businesses connected with North Korea' s nuclear and missile programs.
