The episode has been viewed as an early test for U.S. sanctions adopted in June that call for intercepting ships and aircraft believed to be trafficking North Korean arms or nuclear materials.

• 这一事件被视为美国6月份出台的对朝制裁举措的初步试探，美国要求拦截据信装载朝鲜武器或核材料的船只和飞机。