U.S. Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield pointed out to the Security Council the 2017 resolution confirming member states to “improve and strengthen sanctions” on North Korea’s intercontinental ballistic missile launch. “That’s what happened,” Thomas-Greenfield said. “So now is the time to take action.”

The U.S. ambassador to the UN announced that the United States would present a draft resolution to “renew and tighten” sanctions against North Korea. She did not say any of the above details.

China and Russia

Previous launches and nuclear tests have already caused severe international sanctions against North Korea. They mainly focus on business. In 2017, the UN Security Council banned 90 percent of refined petroleum exports to North Korea.

Following a recent test by a long-range missile, the United States on Thursday announced its own sanctions against two Russian companies, Russian and North Korean officials, and a North Korean company. It is unknown at this time what he will do after leaving the post.

China and Russia may oppose tough UN sanctions. Instead, those countries are pushing for the easing of sanctions to improve the humanitarian situation in North Korea and encourage Pyongyang to return to the negotiating table.