Trump announces new order targeting firms doing business with N. Korea

WASHINGTON, Sept. 21 (Yonhap) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday he has signed a new executive order giving the Treasury Department more power to target firms and individuals doing business with North Korea.

Trump made the announcement at the start of a trilateral meeting with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in New York.

The order "enhances the Treasury Department's authorities to target any individual or entity conducting significant trade with North Korea," he said, adding those targeted will now have to choose between doing business with the U.S. or with the North.

Trump also noted that China's central bank has told the country's other banks to "immediately stop doing business with North Korea." He thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for that "unexpected" decision.

hague@yna.co.kr
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