The US is targeting Chinese and Russian individuals for supporting North Korean weapons programs

Thomson Reuters

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States announced sanctions on Tuesday on Chinese and Russian companies and individuals for supporting North Korean weapons programs, including by dealing in Pyongyang's energy trade and helping sanctioned North Korean entities gain access to the U.S. and international finance system.

"Treasury will continue to increase pressure on North Korea by targeting those who support the advancement of nuclear and ballistic missile programs, and isolating them from the American financial system," Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin said in a statement.

The Office of Foreign Assets Control designated 10 "third-country" entities and six individuals in its sanctions, Treasury said in a statement.

(Reporting by Doina Chiacu and David Brunnstrom; Editing by David Alexander)

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