[JURIST] China on Thursday announced [press release, in Chinese] that it would be implementing the UN sanctions [JURIST report] on North Korean companies by ordering them to close in China by January.

China’s commerce ministry also announced that this would include any joint ventures with Chinese firms, but they must end before the January deadline, precisely 120 days from September 11. This order does not apply to non-profit, non-commercial entities, but the exemption must have governmental approval.

This announcement comes as China’s ministry has recently been negotiating [press release] with the US over trade relations and North Korea. Tensions between the US and China have risen over recent months over criticism on trade, North Korea and deteriorating relations between the countries.

China has been very vocal about possible consequences [NYT report] to North Korea and the US’ actions. China had also previously demanded [WP report] that the US immediately withdraw sanctions on North Korea in August.