China Drops Train Service to North Korea Over a Covid‑19 Spike
Short‑Story: In a whiff of pandemic diplomacy, China decided to shut down freight trains that once zipped freight cargo between Dandong and the North Korean port of Sinuiju. The move stemmed from a sharp rise in Covid cases in Dandong, the city bordering the Korean peninsula.
Why Now?
- Dandong is a hot spot. From April 24 to April 27, it logged 220 new Covid cases.
- Governors locked down 77 residential blocks and cut off non‑essential movement.
- North Korea, which quietly imposed its own border locks since early 2020, had been aligning with China’s easing approach. The recent spike forced mutual reassessment.
The Magic of “Friendly Consultation”
China’s foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian mentioned that both sides consulted in a cordial manner before deciding to halt the transit.
Yonhap news agency said the Dandong authorities acted upon an unnamed North Korean request. Meanwhile, Seoul keeps a keen eye on developments.
What This Means for the Border
North Korea, though officially silent on Covid numbers, adopted border curbs that have troubled its already fragile economy.
With freight lines grounded, the city of Dandong faces an added challenge while steering through the pandemic wave.
Keep tuned for how the rail stop might ripple through food supplies and economic activity in the region.
