The United States filed a new sanctions resolution for North Korea to the United Nations Security Council
Nevertheless, the United States is reported to soften sanctions put forward by the United Nations Security Council 24 hours before the vote, as part of the support of China and Russia.
Washington has been a leading country that pushed international pressure to punish North Korea after conducting a test of a hydrogen bomb.
Initially, the US proposed the imposition of a strict oil embargo, as well as freeze the assets of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.
However, on Sunday night (10/09/2017), a number of diplomats revealed, the proposed asset freeze has been excluded from the draft resolution.
Among other concessions, the draft sanctions that will affect North Korean workers abroad will be softened.
Softening also occurs on the provision to inspect cargo ships suspected of carrying a load banned by the United Nations.
Of the five crucially designed points, a ban on textile exports from North Korea remains in the draft.
Britain and France - members of the Security Council remained together with the US, China and Russia - have given Washington a firm backing.
Francois Delattre, French Ambassador to the UN, told AFP, "Today's maximum pressure in the form of sanctions is our best hope to push for tomorrow's political settlement, as well as the best antidote to conflict."
Meanwhile, UK's Delattre colleague, Matthew Rycroft added, "to give diplomacy a chance to end this crisis, we need DPRK (North Korea) to change course now."
"That means maximum pressure is possible," Rycroft said.
The strongest pressure in the resolution did emerge from Russia and China - North Korea's two main supporters, who focused their attention on the possible collapse of Kim Jong Un regime, and the impact of a refugee exodus.
In addition to softening to Moscow and Beijing, Washington has either forgotten the possibility of military action, or has cut economic ties with countries that continue to have trade ties with North Korea.
So far, about 90 percent of North Korea's exports are destined for China.
Kim Hyun Wook, professor at the Korea National Diplomacy Academy, told AFP the United States has softened its stance because it is vital to keep Moscow and Beijing in their bases.
"It is only possible to criticize and admonish China and Russia for not imposing sanctions, if they choose this draft resolution in the UN Security Council," he said.
"That's why I think the US is trying to draw a UN sanctions resolution, in which China and Russia will participate, though not fully satisfactory," Wook continued.
