North Korea coal, air route, raise questions about sanctions

March 28 (UPI) -- North Korea coal exports to China increased sharply in February, according to Chinese customs data.

The two countries may also have agreed on a new air route that will connect Pyongyang and the border city of Dandong.

China had announced on Feb. 18 a decision to suspend all North Korea coal imports, a few months after the United Nations Security Council adopted a new sanctions resolution that targets North Korea's nuclear weapons program.

But in February North Korea exported about $97 million worth of coal to China, Voice of America reported Tuesday.

That figure is a 43 percent year-on-year increase, according to the report.

North Korea coal exports to China in 2017 are so far estimated to be about $220 million, which is still below the $400 million quota.

It remains to be seen whether China will curtail all imports of North Korea coal for the remainder of the year, as announced by its commerce ministry.

China may also be cooperating on a new air route between a Chinese city and the North Korean capital.

State-controlled news agency KCNA reported visitors can fly from Dandong, China, to Pyongyang, and that the first plane to fly on the route arrived in the North Korean capital on Tuesday.

The North Korean news agency also reported the line operates twice a week, Tuesday and Friday, and that it "would provide convenience to many people who want to visit North Korea."

The report, if verified, could raise questions about whether sanctions are being fully enforced, according to Yonhap news agency.

North Korea may be looking for new sources of foreign currency through tourism in China, according to the report.