<기사제목>Chinese and Foreign Ministries Resume North Korea-China Freight Train Operations... "We Will Facilitate Travel Between the Two Countries"

Cargo Train Operations Resume After One and a Half Years of Suspension

On the morning of the 10th, the Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge (left) and the Yalu River Bridge were viewed from Dandong, Liaoning Province, located near the North Korea-China border. The North Korean city of Sinuiju can be seen across the bridge. Photo by Yonhap News.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on the 17th that cargo train operations between North Korea and China have resumed. This marks the resumption after a year and a half since North Korea halted cargo train operations in August 2020.

According to foreign media including the AP News, Zhao Lijian, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said at a regular briefing that "rail traffic between China and North Korea was suspended for some time due to the impact of the pandemic," and "cargo train operations between Dandong and North Korea have now resumed."

Spokesperson Zhao added, "Through friendly negotiations between the two countries, this operation will proceed in accordance with COVID-19 pandemic prevention guidelines," and "we will carry out transportation tasks well to support normal trade exchanges between North Korea and China."

It is reported that the second cargo train arriving on the morning of the day, following the previous day, also had empty cargo cars. The resumption of cargo train operations this time is understood to be aimed at North Korea securing necessary supplies from China rather than exports.

Earlier, the Ministry of Unification stated at a regular briefing that cargo train operation trends between North Korea's Sinuiju and China's Dandong have been detected, and that it is necessary to observe the easing of restrictions a bit longer.

Meanwhile, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs commented on North Korea's short-range ballistic missile launch on the same day, stating, "China is paying attention to related reports and recent developments in various aspects of the situation on the Korean Peninsula," and added, "We hope all parties will focus on the peace and stability phase of the Korean Peninsula, adhere to the correct direction of dialogue and negotiation, and jointly strive to promote a political resolution of the Korean Peninsula issue."