BEIJING: A South Korean newspaper reports Chinese authorities are investigating a North Korean bank suspected of financing its government's imports of goods that might be used by its nuclear weapons programme.

Beijing has been applying more pressure on its neighbor to stop nuclear weapons development in violation of international sanctions. Chinese authorities disclosed this month they were investigating a company that researchers said sold the North materials with possible military uses.

Joongang Daily said authorities are investigating Kwangson Banking Corp. Citing unidentified sources, the newspaper said the bank was ordered closed under UN sanctions imposed in response to North Korea's nuclear tests but continued to operate in secret.

The Chinese foreign ministry and bank regulator did not respond to requests for comment Monday.