China appeared to be wavering Tuesday on whether possible sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear test should be enforced under the UN's strictest terms. China - a key ally of North Korea and crucial to securing a strong UN Security Council response - was angered by North Korea's nuclear test Monday and had backed 'some punitive measures' that would be tailored to the situation in the impoverished North Korean nation.
But Chinese Ambassador Wang Guangya on Tuesday appeared to back out of placing any sanctions under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which would make them enforceable. 'Tomorrow morning we'll focus on a number of elements and Chapter 7 is one of them,' Wang said after the council's third meeting in two days, adding that China wanted only 'some elements' of Chapter 7 to be included in any eventual resolution. Wang also did not specify what types of punitive measures China would consider. |