The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday adopted a new sanctions resolution against North Korea, ramping up earlier punitive measures following the reclusive country's fifth and largest nuclear test in September.

The 17-page resolution was unanimously adopted by the 15-member council after the text was settled upon in protracted negotiations between the United States, its author, and China, the North's closest ally and major trading partner.

The centerpiece of the fresh sanctions is a cap on North Korea's coal exports that could choke off funding sources for its nuclear and ballistic missile programs if implemented to the full extent.