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North Korea-China Resume Passenger Train Service After 6 Years: A Signal of Improving Ties
North Korea-China Passenger Train Service Resumes After Six Years
Passenger train service between North Korea and China resumed on October 12. North Korea had, in early 2020, completely closed its borders due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting both human traffic and rail trade. While air travel subsequently resumed, passenger train service remained suspended even after the end of the pandemic. China National Railway Group announced via Weibo that passenger trains would operate four times a week in both directions going forward.
Focus on Improving North Korea-China Ties and Shifting International Landscape
The resumption of passenger train service is interpreted as a sign of improving North Korea-China relations. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated on October 10 that this measure holds 'significant meaning' for promoting bilateral exchanges. Despite General Secretary Kim Jong Un's attendance at China's Victory Day celebrations in September 2025, many characterized North Korea-China relations at the time as 'lukewarm'. Therefore, the resumption of train service is analyzed as a confirmation of both countries' will to expand their points of contact. Ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump's scheduled visit to China later this month, China appears to be reasserting its influence over North Korea, and North Korea is also interpreted as intending to use strengthened communication with China as a lever against the United States. Following General Secretary Kim Jong Un's re-election at the 9th Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea last month, congratulatory messages and replies were exchanged between the leaders of North Korea and China. The fact that Rodong Sinmun and People's Daily prominently covered these exchanges also suggests that both countries are forming a consensus on crisis management amidst the unstable international situation.
*Source: YouTube: SBS News (2026-03-13)*
