South Korean media and some experts believe that, after Kim Jong-un’s visit to Russia and his summit with Vladimir Putin in September 2023, there are subtle signs of changes in the relationship between China and North Korea.
Earlier, several South Korean media outlets reported that the “bronze footprints” left by Kim Jong-un during his visit to China’s Dalian city in May 2018, where he walked with Xi Jinping on the Bangchuidao beach, had disappeared by May of this year. The original location of the “bronze footprints” has been covered with asphalt and no traces are visible. Additionally, the South Korean newspaper Chungang Ilbo reported that, in early July of this year, China demanded the repatriation of all North Korean laborers within its borders. North Korea is also transferring some of its IT workers from China to Russia; these workers earn foreign currency by conducting cyberattacks. Such overseas laborers are a significant source of foreign currency for North Korea.
The Chungang Ilbo quoted sources indicating that Kim Jong-un had instructed North Korean diplomats working in China to “not be intimidated by China.” This directive was issued following Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in June of this year and his signing of a “comprehensive strategic partnership” agreement. North Korea has also tightened control over the Chinese expatriates within its borders, restricting their movement and limiting their contact with North Korean residents. On July 27, the Chinese ambassador to North Korea was notably absent at an event in Pyongyang commemorating the 71st anniversary of the Korean War armistice. Ambassadors from Russia, Vietnam, and Cuba were present at the event.
Some experts caution that apparent changes in Sino-North Korean relations should not be overinterpreted. The relationship between the countries may not grow as rapidly as the relationship between North Korea and Russia, but this does not necessarily indicate that North Korea is abandoning its ties with China.
Source: Aboluo, August 13, 2024
https://www.aboluowang.com/2024/0813/2090571.html