In response to North Korea’s increasing missile tests, Japan sanctioned five North Korean companies on Tuesday, blacklisting entities previously designated by the United States and South Korea amid a United Nations deadlock over new punitive measures.
According to a press release from Japan’s foreign ministry, Tokyo will immediately freeze the assets of Hapjanggang Trading Corporation, Korea Rousan Trading Corporation, Sungnisan Trading Corporation, Unchon Trading Corporation, and the North’s Ministry of Rocket Industry.
North Korea launched a ballistic missile over Japan earlier this month, prompting the designations. They also come just days after South Korea imposed sanctions on the DPRK on Friday, and less than two weeks after the United States blacklisted companies involved in oil smuggling into North Korea.
“The main effect is showing solidarity,” said Asan Institute for Policy Studies fellow Go Myong-hyun. “Secondly, it serves as a reminder to businesses that Korea and Japan are tightening sanctions.”
South Korean foreign ministry spokesperson Lim Soo-suk praised Japan’s sanctions on Tuesday, saying they demonstrate “the three countries’ strong and united will to respond decisively to North Korea’s nuclear and missile development.”
