China-DPRK trade needs new model

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has been China's friendly neighbor for decades. It is also a country of strategic importance to China, and the two countries attach great importance to their traditional friendship. Their strengthening economic cooperation will continue to play an important role in the consolidation and development of bilateral relations.

China-DPRK economic cooperation is important for maintaining peace and stability in Northeast Asia especially in the early days of new DPRK leader Kim Jong-un.

The DPRK has made some advances in economic development, but it still faces challenges. It will need time to decide whether it wants to stick to its traditional "military-first" policy or shift the focus on economic development. For instance, it has said that it will not conduct any more nuclear tests, but also declared that, if need be, it will use nuclear weapons to counter the "designs" of the United States.