WEB DESK

China said today it is committed to upholding United Nations sanctions on North Korea despite data showing a jump in the volume of bilateral trade.

Sino-US relations have soured in recent weeks as President Donald Trump urges Beijing to put diplomatic and economic pressure on North Korea over its nuclear ambitions, with tensions rising after this month’s test of a missile that could reach the US mainland.

Despite Washington’s calls for action, trade between the Asian neighbours increased 10.5 percent percent in January-June, including a 29.1 percent jump in exports.