SEOUL, Dec. 10 (Yonhap) -- China has strengthened inspections of North Korean cargoes to check for any banned items under U.N. Security Council sanctions, an official said Monday, a sign that may suggest Beijing is getting tougher on Pyongyang.

   "I understand that Chinese authorities are conducting total inspections at a couple of ports where a lot of North Korean cargoes are entering," an official at the presidential office said. "It has been several months since this measure was taken."

   The inspections are aimed at checking for banned items in line with U.N. sanctions, he said.

   The move came after a Chinese freighter was caught in May at the southeastern South Korean port of Busan carrying a cargo of 445 graphite cylinders, which were believed to be made in North Korea and can be used as missile parts. The ship was headed for Syria.

   China also appears to be increasing pressure on North Korea over its planned rocket launch, expressing concern over the plan and urging Pyongyang to use its right to peaceful use of outer space within the limitations of the U.N. Security Council resolutions.

   "The DPRK is entitled to the peaceful use of outer space. But in view of the situation on the Korea Peninsula and restrictions of relevant UN Security Council resolutions, China hopes the DPRK can proceed from the overall situation of peace and stability on the peninsula and act prudently," Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said last week.

   DPRK stands for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the North's official name.

   North Korea said earlier this month that it will launch a long-range rocket sometime between Dec. 10-22 to put what it claims is a satellite into orbit. On Sunday, however, the North said it was considering rescheduling the planned launch but gave no reasons.

   The planned rocket launch is widely viewed as a disguised test of ballistic missile technology. Under U.N. Security Council resolutions, North Korea is banned from any ballistic activity as it can be used to develop missiles carrying nuclear weapons.

   China is the North's last-remaining major ally and is considered having the most clout over Pyongyang. But Beijing has been under criticism for refusing to use the influence over concern that pushing the North too hard could lead to its collapse and instability on its border.

   Officials said it is too early to say whether China has toughened its stance on North Korea.

   "We will be able to determine whether the Chinese position is different from before, when we look at the Chinese attitude in discussions on sanctions on North Korea," a senior government official said.

   jschang@yna.co.kr
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