North Korea and China suspend rail trade amid COVID-19 concerns

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North Korea and China suspend rail trade amid COVID-19 concerns

Reversal comes just months after China and North Korea agreed to restart rail freight to bolster bilateral trade

Ethan Jewell April 30, 2022

North Korea and China suspend rail trade amid COVID-19 concerns

Bridges connecting Dandong, China to Sinuiju, North Korea, Feb. 2019 | Image: NK News (file)

China and North Korea have suspended cross-border rail trade, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed, cutting off a key trade corridor for the second time since 2020 due to COVID-19 concerns.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced the decision at a press conference on Friday.

About the Author

Ethan Jewell

Ethan Jewell is a Seoul-based correspondent for NK News focused on sanctions, trade and maritime issues. He previously worked as an investigations and intelligence specialist for Pinkerton Comprehensive Risk Management and as a research intern for the Brookings Institution's Center for East Asia Policy Studies.

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