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.
“Due to the COVID situation in Dandong, after friendly consultation between both sides, China has decided to suspend freight services from Dandong to Sinuiju,” Zhao said.
The spokesperson did not say when the decision went into effect.
Sinuiju is situated in North Korea’s far northwest, just
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.
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. Follow Ethan on Twitter @EthanJewell