“In no other country do we see this breadth and depth of continuing illicit commercial activity with North Korea, the scale of which puts China in flagrant violation of its obligations,” he said.
“They are seeking to revive trade links and revenue transfers to the North, thereby ensuring Chinese reach into the North’s economy.”
China says it abides by U.N. sanctions on North Korea, although it has also, along with Russia, expressed hope that an easing of those conditions could help break the deadlock in nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang.
Wong said the State Department was launching a website through which people could provide information on North Korea sanctions evasion in return for up to $5 million.
He also warned of new sanctions for such evasion, including on individuals and entities within China’s jurisdiction.
“We have imposed numerous such sanctions designations in the past, and, I want to tell you, more are forthcoming.”
Washington has also accused China of helping North Korea launder money from cyber thefts carried out to raise funds for its weapons programs.
Outgoing U.S. President Donald Trump held unprecedented summits with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in an unsuccessful attempt to persuade him to give up his nuclear weapons.
In October, North Korea unveiled one of the world’s largest road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missiles. Experts said it would be capable of reaching any point in the United States if it becomes operational. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Kevin Liffey)
