The UN Security Council’s North Korea Sanctions Committee is expected to extend the deadline for the addition of fresh sanctions targets in accordance with the President’s Statement that followed North Korea’s long-range rocket launch of April 13th.

A UN official commented today, “The sanctions lists needed to be submitted within 15 days of the North Korea Sanctions Committee adopting the President’s Statement condemning North Korea’s long-range rocket launch; however, China has still not finalised it so the Security Council is extending the deadline to give China a few more days.”

Another official also revealed, “The North Korea Sanctions Committee is waiting for China to submit the list of sanctions against North Korea. The Security Council can extend the submission date to 2-3 days after the deadline, which is tomorrow.”

The UN Security Council unanimously adopted the critical statement on the 16th of last month and gave 15 days for countries to report back on a list of sanctions of individuals, organizations and items towards North Korea. The UN Security Council can take direct action if the North Korea Sanctions Committee does not perform its role within 15 days.

South Korea, the U.S., Japan and the European Union had submitted a list of 40 companies that they wish to see sanctioned, whereas, according to Reuters, China has agreed to just two.

The UN’s existing sanctions against North Korea include 8 North Korean companies and 5 individuals.