"North Korea Partially Eases China Border Closure... Rising Prices of Daily Necessities Fuel Discontent"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] On the 30th, Asahi Shimbun reported, citing sources, that North Korea is partially easing the border lockdown measures with China, which had been in place for two months to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Asahi cited multiple North Korea-China relations officials familiar with North Korean affairs, stating that trucks entering North Korea have been confirmed several times recently in some areas along the North Korea-China border. One official said that due to the border lockdown that began at the end of January, prices of rice, flour, sugar, and cooking oil have risen within North Korea, leading to growing dissatisfaction among residents.

Asahi analyzed that the partial easing of the China border lockdown may be because supplies are needed to celebrate the birthday of Chairman Kim Il-sung (Day of the Sun, April 15), or because the sharp rise in prices of daily necessities has increased public discontent. Ahead of Kim Il-sung’s birthday, vigilance against the influx of COVID-19 has been strengthened, and human exchanges continue to be strictly restricted.

North Korean authorities also plan to ease maritime regulations against China starting from the end of March. Asahi analyzed that the operation of ships traveling to and from China will be handled only by North Korean sailors, aiming to procure necessary supplies while minimizing human contact with the outside.

Sources reported that North Korea requested medical supplies such as masks from China. Asahi added that there is information that trains and trucks carrying medical equipment entered North Korea from Dandong City, China.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.