While sanctions have so far done little to deter North Korea from boosting its nuclear and missile capacity, McAllister stressed that the only solution was a diplomatic one: “For instance, if we further tighten the supply of oil to North Korea, that will have a major impact on the economy, and in the end, on the regime.”

The foreign affairs committee chair also urged China to exert its leverage over the North Korean regime to ensure that the situation does not escalate further.

In January 2016, MEPs adopted a resolution expressing their concern about the persisting deterioration of the human rights situation in North Korea. MEPs are expected to debate the situation on the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday 12 September.