Japan extends unilateral sanctions on DPRK for two years

TOKYO - Japan decided on Friday to extend its own sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) for two years due to the DPRK's provocative actions.

The decision was made at a cabinet meeting, marking the ninth extension of Japan's sanctions against the DPRK, as the current sanctions will expire on April 13.

Japan has unilaterally imposed sanctions on the DPRK, including ban on trade and port calls, since the latter conducted its first underground nuclear test in 2006.

On February 12, the DPRK carried out its third nuclear test, escalating tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

The UN Security Council adopted new sanctions against the DPRK last month while the United States and South Korea went ahead with annual joint war games.

However, the DPRK hit back, declaring a state of war with South Korea and restarting its nuclear complex on Tuesday.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Thursday that repeated provocations made by the DPRK are "extremely regrettable."