Daily NK, a South Korean news outlet specializing in North Korean affairs, reported that Pyongyang has adopted a dual-track policy toward China, expanding economic cooperation while tightening ideological controls to prevent the spread of Chinese cultural influence. Citing a source in Kangwon Province, the report says the directive was issued by the Workers’ Party of Korea Central Committee in late June following Xi Jinping’s visit to North Korea.
The directive reportedly instructs officials to separate political and security issues from economic cooperation, encourage Chinese investment, facilitate customs clearance for bilateral trade, and boost foreign currency earnings during the second half of the year. Cadres were told to adopt a pragmatic approach that reassures Chinese investors while avoiding political disputes that could undermine economic cooperation.
At the same time, Pyongyang reportedly ordered security agencies to intensify efforts to block Chinese cultural and ideological influence. The directive emphasized that while North Korea can “make money and buy on credit, it must not be influenced ideologically.” Authorities were instructed to crack down on rumors that Xi’s visit had led to greater tolerance for watching unauthorized Chinese films and television programs.
The policy reflects North Korea’s effort to maximize economic benefits while balancing its relationships with China, Russia, and the United States. As Beijing seeks to preserve its influence on the Korean Peninsula amid expanding North Korea-Russia cooperation, Pyongyang is reportedly attempting to leverage competition among the major powers for economic gain while preventing China’s reform experience and capitalist culture from weakening domestic ideological control.
Source: Daily NK, July 14, 2026
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