U.N. sanctions against North Korea over the years have done little to deter the drive of the poverty stricken country in creating a nuclear testing program to launch weapons capable of reaching the United States.

Since 2006, North Korea has launched several long-range rockets and conducted underground nuclear explosions with the most recent occurring on Tuesday, which led the U.N. to impose new sanctions.

Kyong Sun Park of Clarksville says she has been watching the events unfold and believes any threat to the U.S. should be taken seriously.

The U.N. resolution approved on Thursday bans nations from exporting luxuries like expensive jewelry, yachts and race cars to the North.

According to data from the International Trade Centre, Chinese products accounted for 43 percent of North Korean imports in 2006, compared to 95 percent in 2012.

If the Chinese government abides by the sanctions against North Korea, many close to the situation say it will have a major impact on proliferation activities in that country.
                                                           **
(03/8/2013/MF)