North Korea and China are solidifying their commitment to strengthening relations following a recent summit, focusing on practical areas such as party exchanges and border economic cooperation. As the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit takes place this month in Shenzhen, discussions about potential meetings among the leaders of the U.S., China, and Russia are emerging, highlighting North Korea's efforts to enhance strategic cooperation with China on both political and economic fronts. Analysts suggest that the relationship is moving beyond mere diplomatic cordiality to establish a stable cooperative framework.
According to diplomatic sources on November 10, infrastructure for human and material exchanges is being established around the New Apnok River Bridge, which opened on October 15. By the end of last month, customs facilities, including passenger inspection channels and cargo vehicle inspection areas, were reportedly set up at the bridge's customs area.
Previously, the Dandong Border Economic Cooperation Zone Management Bureau began construction on October 28 to install road signs, lane markings, traffic lights, barriers, and automated traffic enforcement equipment around the customs area near the bridge. The Dandong Customs is also expected to expand its workforce, including personnel fluent in Korean, by next year.
Following the bridge's opening, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea emphasized the importance of expanding economic and trade cooperation while inspecting the customs facilities. This indicates a swift progression in follow-up measures to enhance trade.
In the political realm, observations suggest that North Korea-China ties are accelerating, particularly following North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's visit to China on October 24. Kim Song Nam, the International Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, met with Liu Haixing, head of the International Liaison Department of the Communist Party of China, in Beijing on November 6 to discuss expanding party-to-party exchanges. During his visit, Kim also met with Wang Yi, head of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China, and Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, and visited the Central Party School of the Communist Party of China. Given that a delegation from the Central Party School led by Vice President She Chuntao visited Pyongyang from November 2 to 4, there is potential for exchanges to expand to party publications and local party committees.
As the APEC summit approaches, discussions about potential meetings among the leaders of the U.S., China, and Russia are underway, with analysts suggesting that North Korea aims to broaden its strategic communication channels with China. For China, this could serve as an opportunity to solidify its political and economic influence over North Korea.
Hong Min, a senior researcher at the Korea Institute for National Unification, stated in a conversation with Aju Economy that “Ahead of APEC, North Korea and China are continuously strengthening strategic communication and expanding party-to-party diplomatic efforts.” He added that during Kim's recent visit to China, North Korea may have conveyed its fundamental stance regarding APEC and exchanged views on the implications of a potential meeting between the U.S. and Chinese leaders.
As North Korea and China elevate their relationship to a strategic level through institutionalized exchanges, there are calls for the South Korean government to focus its diplomatic efforts to ensure that issues concerning the Korean Peninsula are not addressed without South Korea's involvement during U.S.-China-Russia diplomatic engagements. In the context of South Korea-U.S. relations, changes in congressional power due to the U.S. midterm elections have also emerged as a new variable. President Lee Jae-myung stated during a Cabinet meeting that “a balance between consistent principles and flexible responses is necessary” and emphasized the need to concentrate on national interest diplomacy and prioritizing public welfare without being swayed by changes.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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