WASHINGTON: The United States announced sanctions on two North Korean officials behind their country’s ballistic missile program on Tuesday, while Russia reiterated an offer to mediate to ease tensions between Washington and Pyongyang. North Korea declared the UN steps to be an act of war and tantamount to a complete economic blockade. Washington has said that all options, including military ones, are on the table in dealing with North Korea. It says it prefers a diplomatic solution, but that North Korea has given no indication it is willing to discuss denuclearisation. Trade between North Korea and China has slowed through the year, particularly after China banned coal purchases in February.

Source: New Strait Times December 26, 2017 22:30 UTC