The U.N. just passed its toughest sanctions on North Korea in 20 years

The United Nations Security Council passed its toughest sanctions on North Korea in 20 years Wednesday, The Associated Press reports.

Tension between the isolated nation and countries including the U.S., South Korea, and Japan escalated after North Korea's January nuclear test and February rocket launch.

The sanctions negotiated by the U.S. and China include a ban of small arms sales and transfers to Pyongyang and mandatory cargo inspections by any country.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up