China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) on Monday defended recent trade statistics that show a net increase in value throughout the first nine months of 2017, despite stricter UN sanctions aimed at limiting the DPRK’s revenues.

During a regular press briefing in Beijing, MFA Spokesperson Geng Shuang said UN measures were not intended to have negative humanitarian consequences on the North Korean population.

“(The UN) measures imposed are not intended to have adverse humanitarian consequences for the civilian population of the DPRK or to affect negatively or restrict those activities, including economic activities and cooperation, food aid and humanitarian assistance,