China appears to be moving toward providing comprehensive “strategic support” to North Korea as the two countries’ relationship shows signs of warming.
According to a Daily NK source in Pyongyang recently, the Chinese embassy in North Korea has spent recent months conducting tours throughout the country—visiting Pyongyang, Ryanggang province, North Hamgyong province, and other regions—to assess public infrastructure and industrial capabilities. They compiled a detailed report based on their observations to guide China’s strategic aid efforts.
The comprehensive report, submitted to the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party last month, is now serving as foundational material for strengthening bilateral cooperation between North Korea and China. Chinese officials plan to organize aid from various provinces, cities, and autonomous regions through August, then prepare a “gift” for the 80th anniversary of North Korea’s ruling party on Oct. 10.
China intends to make this year a turning point for substantially boosting bilateral cooperation with North Korea, particularly by developing border regions like North Pyongan, Ryanggang, Chagang, and North Hamgyong provinces into strategic exchange hubs.
China reportedly plans to begin supporting North Korea’s tourism industry and agricultural technology while improving its light industry and telecommunications infrastructure.
Modernizing N. Korea’s medical infrastructure
Medicine has emerged as another major focus area. China plans to significantly strengthen medical cooperation through a comprehensive program that includes exchanges with Chinese medical professionals and support for modernizing North Korea’s medical equipment, following detailed inspections of major city and county hospitals and their supply needs.
“Chinese ambassador to North Korea Wang Yajun, who has been fully authorized by the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party to carry out his diplomatic mission, studied plans that could help stabilize living conditions in North Korea, restore its industrial foundation, and develop its tourism, transportation, medical, construction, and financial sectors,” the source explained.
“The Chinese embassy’s charge d’affaires, Feng Chuntai, also visited Chongjin and Rason in North Hamgyong province. The Chinese are positioning Chongjin—home to a Chinese consulate—as a northeastern strategic hub and Rason—a major export port and investment destination—as a key gateway for trilateral exchanges between North Korea and China-Russia,” the source added.
China’s actions represent preparation for North Korea’s potential return to the diplomatic stage and a strategy to maintain Chinese influence on the Korean Peninsula through North Korea. As the possibility of renewed North Korea-U.S. dialogue grows, China is signaling its intention to actively participate as either a mediator or supporter.
“The Chinese embassy in Pyongyang and the North Korean embassy in Beijing agreed in principle last month to expand high-level economic and social cooperation,” the source said. “Officials believe this marks a milestone in transforming the North Korea-China relationship into one of substantive and strategic mutual cooperation.”
“China has revealed its intention at various opportunities to restore and expand the framework of mutual assistance through organic connections in North Korean regional development, foreign currency-earning industries, and overseas North Korean labor exports,” the source added.
