BEIJING is preparing to impose sanctions on North Korea over Pyonyang’s recent nuclear weapons tests and satellite launch, a Chinese diplomat said yesterday.

The official, who accompanied Foreign Minister Wang Yi during talks in Washington last week, said the two countries had agreed on the need for harsh sanctions against North Korea for defying UN resolutions.

Speaking on condition of anonymity, he said the US should also provide incentives to North Korea to return to negotiations such as offering progress on a permanent peace agreement between the sides.