China bans export of nuclear weapon-related technologies to North Korea

China has said it has banned the export of several weapon-related technologies to North Korea that could aid the country in developing nuclear weapons.

China hoped that the ban, which will be effective immediately, would help implement the United Nations’ resolutions on North Korea, the BBC reports.

China's Commerce Ministry published the list of technologies under ban, including nuclear, missile, chemical and biological fields, and components for nuclear explosive devices and rocket systems, the report added.

Analysts said the ban shows China is taking a firmer step against its ally.