China has said it is willing to “pay the price” and fully implement harsh sanctions on its historic ally North Korea, although experts have questioned the impact of the measures.

Pyongyang relies heavily on its economic links with China, and the ban on North Korean exports of coal, iron, lead and seafood products will largely affect trade between the two countries.

Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi said: “Given China's traditional economic links with the DPRK, it is China that will mainly pay the price for the implementation of (the sanctions).

“China will continue to fully and strictly implement all the contents of the resolution to safeguard the international nuclear non-proliferation regime and maintain regional peace and stability,” he added, according to Xinhua state news agency.