Beijing: China yesterday urged restraint in implementing new UN sanctions banning arms shipments from North Korea as a ship from the reclusive state was tracked by a US Navy destroyer.

The vessel, which a US defence official said could be heading for Myanmar, is the first North Korean ship monitored since the adoption of a UN resolution designed to punish Pyongyang over its underground nuclear test last month.

While saying he had no knowledge of the ship, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Qin Gang urged that inspections of any vessels under the new sanctions should be “on reasonable grounds”.

“Under the current circumstances, we called on all parties to refrain from taking actions which could escalate the situation,” he told reporters at a regular press briefing.

“The inspection of cargoes and vessels should strictly follow the UN Security Council resolution, international law, and national laws and regulations,” he added.

The North Korean cargo vessel, the Kang Nam 1, was being tracked by the destroyer USS John S. McCain.

The US defence official said on condition of anonymity that the ship appeared headed for Myanmar, another reclusive state that has close ties with North Korea and has conducted arms deals with Pyongyang.

South Korea’s YTN television news channel, citing an unnamed intelligence source, reported on Sunday the ship was suspected of carrying missiles or related parts and was heading for Myanmar via Singapore.