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
https://www.dailynk.com/chinese/可以赚钱和赊账，但思想不能受影响，拿出对/

Papua New Guinea (PNG) Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko confirmed on July 16 that the government will close Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby, a move welcomed by Beijing and strongly protested by Taipei.

PNG maintained formal diplomatic relations with the Republic of China (Taiwan) for only 17 days in 1999 before reestablishing diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China (PRC). Although the two sides have not maintained official diplomatic relations since then, they continued to operate representative offices that functioned as de facto embassies. PNG closed its trade office in Taipei in 2023, citing economic reasons, while Taiwan’s representative office in Port Moresby remained open until the latest decision.

The U.S. State Department said it was “deeply concerned” by the move, describing it as “yet another example of Beijing’s intimidation campaign against Taiwan and its supporters around the world.”

Strategically located along key sea lanes and near international submarine cable routes connecting the United States and Australia, Papua New Guinea has become an important arena for geopolitical competition. Over the past decade, the PRC has invested billions of dollars in Pacific island nations, expanding its diplomatic and economic influence across the region.

Source: Deutsche Well, July 18, 2026
https://www.dw.com/zh/巴新关闭台北办事处-美国北京恫吓的又一例证/a-78018695