North Korean authorities have increased surveillance and control over Chinese residents who recently returned to the country post-COVID-19. Interrogations and charges of distributing South Korean media and transferring money to North Korean defectors are being faced by Chinese living in Yongampo. This crackdown aligns with North Korea’s legislation to block external influences and could be a warning to those not fully integrated into society. Despite efforts at assimilation, cultural and economic friction persist among Chinese residents due to a distinct identity. Chinese residents have played a crucial role in North Korea’s marketization, accumulating wealth through cross-border trade. The regime sees them as a target for surveillance to curb foreign influences and control markets. While global trends promote economic growth and cultural exchange, North Korea’s crackdown on Chinese residents goes against this, marking a regrettable development. The situation highlights the complex dynamic between North Korea and its Chinese residents, reflecting larger tensions within the region.
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Distrust or caution? North Korea’s risky tactics with Chinese returnees
