China Refuses Coal Shipment from N.Korea Following Missile Test

China on Monday refused a large coal shipment from North Korea after the North tested a new ballistic missile.

Sources in China say the southeastern city of Wenzhou rejected more than 16,000 tons of coal from North Korea, worth around US$1 million. The Chinese city cited the amount of mercury detected in the coal, which was higher than allowed.

Considering the timing of the refusal, however, some experts say the move may be a reflection of Beijing's discontent with the North's missile launch last weekend.

When asked about it, a spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry only said that Beijing consistently and accurately abides by UN Security Council resolutions.