China reduced coal imports from North Korea, even when the total trade between the two countries continues to grow.

A Chinese government official said on Thursday that in the first half of 2017 the volume of trade between China and the DPRK reached $2.6 billion, which is 10% higher than the same period last year. But imports of coal fell by 75%, indicating that Beijing is gradually clogs the largest source of foreign exchange in North Korea.

Overall China's imports from North Korea fell by 13% compared to the first half of 2016, said Huang Songping, the representative of the customs Department of China. It grew by 18% in the quarter ended in March. The decline follows China's decision in February to ban all imports of North Korean coal.

President trump has repeatedly criticized China for trade with North Korea, urging him to exert more pressure on the regime of Kim Jong-UN. Total trade growth was due to China's exports to North Korea, which has grown by almost 30% in the first half.

China insists that none of its current trade with Pyongyang does not violate international sanctions. Juan told reporters on Thursday that the trade growth was due mainly to the increase in exports of textiles.

The new data represent the attempt of China to pursue a delicate balance between the US and North Korea, where he wants to prevent the destruction of the regime because he's concerned about what this will mean for regional stability.
sections: Economics, World News, Accidents