North Korea has lashed out at its only international ally, China, accusing it of giving in to American demands. Last week, China announced a ban on coal imports during 2017, in response to North Korea's continuing ballistic missile tests. <br/><br/>The statement did not name China, but referred to a neighbouring country which often claims to be friendly. The State run news agency said, this country, styling itself a big power, is dancing to the tune of the US.<br/><br/>In a direct reference to the ban on imports, the statement said China had taken inhumane steps such as totally blocking foreign trade, which would help its enemies to bring down the social system in North Korea. <br/><br/>The country relies on the coal trade with China for cash income. Although China backs North Korea, alone among the international community, it has been a critic of its nuclear programme and has backed UN sanctions against it. Its ban on coal imports came a week after North Korea tested an intermediate-range ballistic missile, in defiance of UN Security Council resolutions.