China Expands Economic and Political Ties With North Korea

The Government of China is intensifying its economic and political engagement with North Korea to reassert influence over a neighbor that has recently developed closer ties with Russia. Beijing has expanded border infrastructure, including roadworks and port facilities in Dandong and other border stations, and has resumed passenger-train services between Beijing and Pyongyang for the first time in six years.

Economic activity has surged, with Chinese exports to North Korea hitting a six-year high of $2.3 billion last year. China is now importing strategic metals such as molybdenum and tungsten, alongside labor-intensive hair products. Politically, Beijing removed calls for North Korean denuclearization from a recent arms-control white paper.

In response, Kim Jong Un has endorsed Beijing's position on Taiwan and emphasized a shared commitment to socialism. These diplomatic shifts occur as U.S. President Donald Trump prepares for a visit to China and has expressed interest in reviving direct talks with the North Korean leader.