North Korea and China Agree to Resume Passenger Train Service Between Pyongyang and Beijing

NHK: "Service Expected to Resume as Early as Next Month"

Yonhap News

North Korea and China have agreed to resume passenger train service between Pyongyang and Beijing.

According to NHK on July 12, the railway authorities of both countries are currently making final adjustments, and the service is expected to resume as early as next month.

Passenger train operations between Pyongyang and Beijing were suspended in January 2020 due to the spread of COVID-19.

If resumed, this will mark the first operation in more than five years.

In this regard, NHK reported, "While North Korea is strengthening its relationship with Russia, including military cooperation, there are observations that it has been keeping a certain distance from China. Therefore, attention is being paid to whether this signals a change in their relationship."

A source familiar with North Korea-China relations noted that since May of this year, there has been an increase in North Korean visits to China for inspections or training purposes. The source stated, "There is an atmosphere of improvement in North Korea-China relations." However, the source also added, "It is necessary to watch carefully to see whether the resumption of train service will lead to a fundamental change in their relationship."

Regarding the resumption of train service, the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated, "We are not aware of any related developments," and added, "Please inquire with the relevant departments," according to NHK.