The United Nations Security Council has approved new sanctions against North Korea as punishment for its recent nuclear test.

According to the Associated Press:

The resolution imposes new sanctions on the reclusive communist nation's weapons exports and financial dealings, and allows inspections of suspect cargo in ports and on the high seas.

U.S. deputy ambassador Rosemary DiCarlo said Friday's vote was a strong and united international response to North Korea's unacceptable behavior.

This is precisely the kind of step recommended by experts who argue that increased multilateral pressure on North Korea is among the limited steps available to the U.S. and its international partners.

 

Robert Kagan, a security analyst at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a Washington Post piece:

First, it should enhance its deterrent to protect itself, South Korea and Japan. That means, above all, bolstering American and allied missile defenses and deterrent capabilities. Unfortunately, it is precisely American missile defense capabilities that the Obama administration is now cutting — despite the growing missile threat from North Korea and Iran. Second, it should strengthen multilateral efforts to stem North Korean proliferation, including more active efforts at interdiction and freezing bank accounts used to fund proliferation. Third, it should give up on the six-party talks. If it ever proves useful to talk to Pyongyang — a big "if" — let's do so directly.