China on Friday tightened its export and import regime to North Korea and warned its citizens and firms of strict penalties for violating UN Security Council sanctions against Pyongyang.<br/><br/>China's ministry of commerce banned steel and other metal exports to North Korea and limited exports of crude oil and refined oil products.<br/><br/>The move, in line with the UN Security Council resolutions, will be effective from today.<br/><br/>The ministry will also ban imports of grain, farm produce, certain types of minerals, electric devices and other products from North Korea.<br/><br/>The decision came after the UNSC resolution 2397 to tighten sanctions against North Korea in response to its latest ballistic missile launch.<br/><br/>China also warned its citizens and firms of strict penalties if they engage in activities that violate UNSC resolutions amid allegations that some Chinese ships are stealthily supplying oil to North Korea.<br/>