Hong Kong has banned a North Korean freighter, which is blacklisted by new U.N. sanctions over the North's latest nuclear test and rocket launch, from berthing at its port, a source with knowledge of the matter said Thursday.
The North Korean freighter Gold Star 3 arrived at the Hong Kong port on Wednesday to get fuel and supplies for its crew, but Hong Kong authorities did not allow the ship to dock at the port, the source said on the condition of anonymity.
The ship is among 31 vessels operated by a North Korean shipping company, Ocean Maritime Management, which is hit by the new U.N. sanctions.
For now, the ship is said to be staying in international waters, according to the source.
Media reports have said the Chinese port of Rizhao in the eastern Shandong province also barred another North Korean ship from docking at the port.
China has said it will "earnestly" implement the new U.N. sanctions, but the sanctions should not affect the well-being and humanitarian needs of North Korean people.
Still, China is unlikely to put crippling sanctions on North Korea because a sudden collapse of the regime could spark a refugee crisis at its border and lead to a pro-U.S., democratic Korea on its doorstep, analysts say. (Yonhap)
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