WELLINGTON (AFP) — New Zealand’s military said Tuesday it spotted a possible at-sea transfer of illicit goods linked to North Korea, highlighting ongoing efforts to enforce international sanctions.

Royal New Zealand Air Force Air Commodore Andy Scott said a P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft observed the potential breach in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea. New Zealand also reported 35 vessels of interest to the United Nations for suspected sanctions violations, including shipments of refined petroleum and exports of coal, sand and iron ore that could fund North Korea’s nuclear program.

North Korea faces UN restrictions on nuclear weapons and missile development, which it has repeatedly flouted. New Zealand has patrolled the region since 2018 as part of multilateral sanctions enforcement. China criticized the patrols this month, calling them “disruptive and irresponsible,” while Wellington rejected Beijing’s claims of harassment in the airspace.