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North Korea test launches its Hwasong-14 ICBM on July 4, 2017. (Yonhap News)

The US issued an advisory on Sept. 1 urging world industries to be cautious not to cooperate with North Korea’s attempts to acquire equipment for ballistic missile development.

The 19-page advisory on North Korea’s ballistic missile procurement activities was jointly issued by three government offices: the US Department of State’s Bureau of International Security and Nonproliferation, the Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security. According to the Agence France-Presse (AFP), this is the first time the three offices have jointly issued an advisory targeting North Korea’s ballistic missile development.

The advisory includes a list of major entities mobilized for ballistic missile development, deceptive techniques used by the program, and legal provisions related to the US response. It also includes a list of major items related to ballistic missiles, as well as North Korean individuals and institutions subject to US government sanctions.

“We urge the private sector to remain vigilant to efforts by North Korea to acquire missile-related technologies and equipment, including the specific items identified in this advisory, and to be aware of the sanctions risks under US and UN authorities for assisting, even inadvertently, North Korea’s ballistic missile-related procurement,” the State Department said in a media note.

The State Department noted that North Korea has continued to conduct ballistic missile testing in violation of UN resolutions since its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test in 2017.

“North Korea’s continued efforts to expand its ballistic missile capabilities pose a significant threat to both regional and global stability,” the media note said. North Korea previously declared the “completion” of its nuclear armament after test-launching the ICBM-level Hwasong-15 in late November 2017.

The advisory is being interpreted as a warning to Pyongyang not to attempt to pressure Washington with missile test launches or other shows of force ahead of the US presidential election in November. US President Donald Trump has indirectly warned the North against interference in the election, stressing his own “good relationship” with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

By Shin Gi-sub, senior staff writer

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