China restricts trade with North Korea over nuclear tests

In this Feb. 26, 2016 photo, North Koreans load goods on a dockyard with a Chinese and North Korean national flags in Sinuiju, North Korea, as seen from Dandong in northeastern China's Liaoning province. China on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 imposed restrictions on imports of coal from North Korea and exports of jet fuel to the North in a potentially significant increase in pressure on Pyongyang following U.N. sanctions over its nuclear and missile tests. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT (The Associated Press)

In this March 14, 2016 photo, a North Korean soldier walks past a truck park near the goods pile up on a dockyard in Sinuiju, North Korea, as seen from Dandong in northeastern China's Liaoning province. China on Tuesday, April 5, 2016 imposed restrictions on imports of coal from North Korea and exports of jet fuel to the North in a potentially significant increase in pressure on Pyongyang following U.N. sanctions over its nuclear and missile tests. (Chinatopix via AP) CHINA OUT (The Associated Press)

BEIJING – China has imposed restrictions on imports of North Korea coal and sales to the North of jet fuel under U.N. sanctions imposed in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests.

The sanctions announced Tuesday allow some imports of North Korean coal, iron ore and other materials for civilian use. But they ban any trade connected to the North's missile or nuclear programs.

The United States and other governments have been pressing China to use its status as Pyongyang's only major ally, source of aid and trading partner to put pressure on the North.

Sanctions approved by the U.N. Security Council last month call for mandatory inspections of cargo into and out of North Korea and other restrictions.