China has ordered North Korean companies in the country to shut down by January as it applies UN sanctions imposed following Pyongyang's sixth nuclear test, the commerce ministry said on Thursday. The ministry said the companies, including joint ventures with Chinese firms, have 120 days to close from the date the United Nations resolution was adopted, September 11.

North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong-Ho departs after speaking to reporters at the UN Millenium Plaza hotel in New York city. Pic/AFP