DPRK warns U.S. against sea blockade

PYONGYANG, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) said Friday that any U.S. action to block DPRK by sea will constitute to an act of war.

The official Korean Central News Agency said in a commentary that the United States is working desperately to impose a maritime blockade against the DPRK by modifying phrases in the UN resolution 2375 while some hardline American officials are calling for a sea blockade against Pyongyang.

Resolution 2375, adopted by the UN Security Council on Sept. 11 in a response to missile launches by the DPRK, imposes tough sanctions against Pyongyang, including an export ban of textile, the DPRK's second most important export item after coal.

"The U.S. moves for sea blockade can never be tolerated as they constitute a wanton violation of the sovereignty and dignity of an independent state," it said.

It also said the United States is trying to openly conduct sea blockade against the DPRK and strangle its economy during peace time.

"This is part of its scheme to escalate political and economic blockade against the DPRK which has lasted for decades," said the commentary. Enditem