[서울=뉴스핌] Reporter Lee Young-tae = A North Korean freight train entered China on the morning of the 16th, 24 months after the border between North Korea and China was closed due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The operation of freight trains between North Korea and China is the first in a year and a half since North Korea closed the border due to the spread of Corona 19 in China.
According to North Korean sources, the train crossed over to Dandong at 9:10 a.m. on the same day via the Zhongzouui Bridge, a railroad that connects the two countries’ borders from Sinuiju. The entry of North Korean freight trains into China is a signal to announce the resumption of trade between North Korea and China, which has been suspended for two years, and it is reported that, if no special problems arise, it is known that the two countries are planning to start human traffic from April.
| The ‘DPRK-China Friendship Bridge’ connects Sinuiju, North Korea and Dandong, Liaoning Province, China [사진=로이터 뉴스핌] |
Jeong Seong-jang, head of the North Korean Research Center at the Sejong Institute, said in an analysis data titled ‘Background and Prospect of the Resumption of North-Chinese Freight Train Operations’ on the same day, “With North Korea and China agreeing to resume trade using trains from Monday on the 17th (Monday) around January 12, today (16th) at around 9:10 a.m., a North Korean freight train led an empty vehicle from Sinuiju to Dandong, China through the Chojung-Uui Bridge (Yamnok Steel Bridge).”
“North Korea has suspended group tours for foreigners from January 22, 2020, when the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in China is rapidly increasing in China, and since January 31, it has closed the border by suspending flights and trains between North Korea and China. “The North Korean freight train, which arrived in Dandong today, is expected to return to Sinuiju tomorrow with necessities such as flour and edibles, basic chemicals, and items requested by the central government.”
In addition, “cargo brought into North Korea is expected to be transported to the Uiju quarantine station to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and then go through disinfection work for about 10 days before being transported into North Korea.” It is known that they have agreed to do so,” he said.
“If there are no special problems with the resumption of trade through freight trains, the two countries plan to hold an opening ceremony for the New Yalu River Bridge at the end of February, after the Beijing Olympics, and carry out trade with freight trains, and start human traffic from around April.” It is known,” he said.
Regarding the background of North Korea’s resumption of trade between North Korea and China at this point, he said, “At the 4th plenary session of the 8th Party Central Committee held at the end of 2021, Chairman Kim Jong-un said, “It is necessary to move our quarantine to an advanced and people’s quarantine. By pointing out that we need to actively push forward the business of reinforcing and perfecting the means and capabilities,’ he showed his will to convert the existing excessive quarantine system that was not based on scientific knowledge about COVID-19 into an advanced quarantine system.”
“North Korea is very urgent to solve the daily necessities of the residents ahead of the so-called ‘revolutionary great event’, which is the 80th anniversary of Kim Jong-il’s birthday in February and the 110th anniversary of Kim Il-sung’s birthday in April. Although there is a great need to expand trade, it is expected that the continuation and expansion of trade will depend on how effectively it can block the domestic epidemic of COVID-19.”
According to the center director, North Korea has been trying to open the North Chinese border since April last year and bring in supplies, but the operation of the quarantine facility has been delayed due to insufficient preparation of disinfection facilities. As a result, at the 2nd Expansion of the Politburo of the 8th Party Central Committee held on June 29 of the same year, Choi Sang-geon, the party secretary in charge of science and education, who was in charge of the quarantine due to the delay in the operation of the disinfection facility at the quarantine facility in Uiju, Pyeongbuk was also fired.
He added, “After that, North Korea and China completed detailed discussions to resume freight train operation in November last year and even tested the train, but the resumption of trade via trains was canceled due to the sudden spread of Corona 19 in northeast China.”
medialyt@newspim.com
