Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates announced the new sanctions during an unusual visit to the demilitarized zone.
“These measures are not directed at the people of North Korea, who have suffered for too long due to the misguided and maligned priorities of their government,” said Mrs. Clinton. “They are directed at the destabilizing, illicit, and provocative policies pursued by that government.”
The new sanctions will limit counterfeiting and money laundering, which the North uses to remain in power.
“It is stunning how little has changed up there and yet how much South Korea continues to grow and prosper,” said Defense Secretary Robert M. Gates.
“I remain open to rebuilding and strengthening military-to-military dialogue between United States and China, he said, but added, “We are obviously concerned by some of the things China has said, some of the things China is doing in the military arena; they are worrying.”
The sanctions would target counterfeit cigarettes, liquor, exotic food, and other luxury goods.
“They made commitments,” said Mrs. Clinton. “They just refuse to actually do it.”
