An Inconvenient Border: Where China Meets North Korea | ABC News
ABC News・22 minutes read
China and North Korea's relationship is strained due to Kim Jong-un's leadership, despite North Korea's heavy reliance on China. A journey along the border reveals the crucial trade route between the two countries, impacting the construction of a new bridge and highlighting the security measures due to North Korea's nuclear testing.
Insights
- Kim Jong-un's leadership since 2012 has strained the historically close relationship between China and North Korea, leading to growing mistrust on both sides despite North Korea's heavy reliance on China.
- The border between China and North Korea is vital for North Korea's trade, with 90% of it being with China, and the construction slowdown of a new bridge between the two countries is impacting their relationship, while security measures along the Tumen River underscore the effects of North Korea's nuclear testing on China.
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What is the current relationship between China and North Korea?
Tense
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Trade route
What is the significance of Mount Paektu in Korean culture?
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Summary
00:00
China-North Korea Relationship: A Complicated History
- China and North Korea share a complicated relationship, historically close but now strained.
- Kim Jong-un's leadership since 2012 has led to a deterioration in the China-North Korea relationship.
- Despite North Korea's heavy reliance on China, mistrust has been growing on both sides.
- The border between China and North Korea is crucial for North Korea's trade, with 90% of it being with China.
- A journey along the border from the Yellow Sea to areas affected by North Korea's nuclear testing is planned.
- The Sino-Korean Friendship Bridge connects China's Dandong to North Korea's Sinuiju.
- The bustling city of Dandong sees a steady flow of trucks and tourists crossing the bridge.
- Chinese tourists often visit Dandong to observe North Korea from across the Yalu River.
- North Korean boats sell products like ginseng, kimchi, alcohol, and cigarettes to Chinese tourists.
- The construction of a new bridge between China and North Korea has slowed down, impacting the relationship between the two countries.
23:48
Journey to North Korea's Mount Paektu
- The tour guide speeds off after crossing a military zone, prompting a walk along train tracks towards North Korea.
- Spotted by the Chinese army, the group is taken to their headquarters but ultimately released without confiscating recordings.
- The group heads to Mount Paektu, a sacred place for Koreans, where the ruling Kim family derives legitimacy and myth from.
- Tourists hike to the top of the volcano, believed to be the birthplace of the first Korean king and Kim Jong-il.
- The group encounters Chinese tourists at Mount Paektu, with a popular folk song sung by South Koreans.
- Moving towards the Tumen River, the group faces strict security measures, highlighting the impact of North Korea's nuclear testing on China.
