Japan navy spots suspected China ship next to North Korea tanker

This May 19, 2018 photo released by Japan’s Ministry of Defense shows North Korean-flagged tanker Ji Song 6 (rear) and an unidentified vessel in the East China Sea.  (Ministry of Defense via AP)

TOKYO — Japan’s Foreign Ministry says a Japanese navy surveillance aircraft has spotted a suspected Chinese-flagged ship apparently transferring fuel to a North Korean tanker on the open seas.

Tuesday’s ministry statement said the two vessels were suspected of engaging in offshore ship-to-ship transfers banned under UN Security Council resolutions.

It said Japan has informed the UN Security Council of the May 19 sighting of the North Korean-flagged tanker, Ji Song 6, moored alongside the ship carrying a flag believed to be Chinese. Four photos taken by the Maritime Self-Defense Force show the ships alongside each other, connected by a hose.

The UN has blacklisted the North Korean tanker.

UN sanctions on North Korea limit energy trade and ban offshore transfers of goods to North Korean ships.