China says its import of coal from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea follows the UN resolution on sanctions against the country.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks on Friday after China's customs watchdog released figures indicating coal imports from the DPRK this month went up by 40 percent. 

"China fully and faithfully observes the United Nations Security Council's resolution on the DPRK. We also maintain that these sanctions against the DPRK must not have any negative impact on people's livelihood and the humanitarian needs in the DPRK. Resolution 2270 bans the DPRK export of coal, iron and iron ore, but also stipulates that export for the sake of people's livelihood, rather than the funding of nuclear and missile programs, shall not be affected. China's import of coal from the DPRK complies with the resolution," he said.