The UN Security Council voted to impose tougher sanctions on North Korea Friday, in response to an intercontinental ballistic missile test that the nation conducted on Nov. 29.  The resolution bans almost 90% of refined-petroleum-product exports to North Korea, capping them at 500,000 barrels a year.  It also forces the repatriation of North Korean workers working abroad after 24 months, cutting off a critical source of foreign currency and investment.

Tensions between North Korea and the West have been rising steadily all year.  Many believe the breaking out of open hostility between North Korea and South Korea, along with significant Western (including US) forces stationed in South Korea, is something that has a high likelihood of occurring.

China, which is North Korea’s largest benefactor, reiterated calls for calm and for dialogue.  Its ambassador to the UN warned that tensions on the peninsula risk “spiraling out of control.”  It’s also been reported that Russia, has sent anti-missile defense systems to its border.  Russia shares a border with North Korea.