Japan introduced a draft Security Council resolution Friday that would sanction North Korea for test-launching a series of missiles, despite Chinese and Russian fears of inflaming tensions with the isolated communist nation. China's U.N. Ambassador Wang Guangya said if the draft is put to a vote, the council would not send a united message to the North that its missile tests are unacceptable. Yet he did not say whether China would abstain or use its veto power to sink the resolution. The draft — which has the support of the United States, Britain and France — is tougher than previous versions. It adds language saying that no nation will procure missiles or missile related "items, materials goods and technology" from North Korea, or transfer financial resources connected to the North's program. Also included is earlier language ordering countries to "take those steps necessary" to keep the North from acquiring items that could be used for its missile program. Diplomats said it could be put to a vote Saturday.
With the resolution formally introduced, the council can vote on it after 24 hours, but U.S. Ambassador John Bolton said that did not necessarily mean a vote would take place Saturday. A U.S. official said diplomats might hold off voting until next week to allow more time for diplomacy to work. In particular, they want to see if China, the North's main ally, can find a solution. "There is a hint that states want to see what the Chinese can do," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity because the strategy had not been made public.