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.
Today'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.
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