China-North Korea relations

North Korea’s Ministry of Social Security is receiving training from China’s Ministry of Public Security.

“One result of this natural cyclicality in North Korea’s policy toward China is that it causes quality of life to rise and fall markedly in the country’s border communities.”

After U.S. diplomats visited Seoul and Tokyo to discuss North Korea issues, Beijing and Pyongyang highlighted their partnership.

North Korea set an assertive tone for 2021 through its Party Congress.

Beijing downplayed the military parade - and the new ICBM - but was keen to praise Kim Jong Un's leadership and achievements.

The Chinese government has been both lenient on North Korea sanctions and reluctant to tackle illegal fishing by its distant water fleet.

North Korea has adopted creative new ways to export coal and other commodities to fund its WMD and ballistic missile program.

The two Chinese nationals face money laundering charges.

Arrests of North Korean defectors in China are up, even while Beijing moves to control North Korean propaganda within the Great Firewall.

Sanctions aside, many Chinese businesspeople are willing to invest across the border. Is North Korea ready to open its doors for them?

The chill between the two countries began to dissipate in early 2018 and ties have continued to warm.