China has requested a delay on an upcoming vote on a U.S. proposal for the United Nations to blacklist vessels it says have been transporting banned items to and from North Korea, NK News has learned.

Beijing’s request comes amid reports that the UN Security Council would be voting Friday on a tough new sanctions resolution that could further impact North Korea’s ability to import refined oil products, keep workers overseas, and export food or electronic equipment, among other items.

“China needs more time to study the draft list of vessels for designation, and we request to extend the