Geography
Hong Kong is a region of southeastern China bordering the South China Sea. It has a total area of 1,104 km2, making it one of the most densely populated places in the world. The closest other country is North Korea, which lies approximately 588 km north. It is the closest foreign country to Hong Kong and one of the most isolated countries in the world due to its closed-off government and lack of international relations.
Popular Tourist Destination
Hong Kong is a bustling metropolis with a multitude of attractions, both natural and man-made. It is visited by millions of tourists every year and is a great destination for sightseeing, shopping or just soaking up the culture. North Korea, on the other hand, is not so popular with tourists. It is very much averse to outside visitors due to its confining regime and authoritarian rule.
Political Climate
The relationship between North Korea and Hong Kong has been a strained one. Political tensions between North Korea and its Western trading partners, particularly the United States, create a cloud of mistrust and diplomatic disagreement with other nations. Consequently, there is limited contact between Hong Kong and North Korea and citizens from the two countries are not allowed to freely travel between the two.
Economic Impact
North Korea and Hong Kong also cannot benefit from any economic growth which could result from harmonious relations. This is due to the United Nations’ sanctions imposed on the former for its nuclear and weapon testing program, which has choked off the flow of goods and services to the reclusive state. This has had a negative economic impact on North Korea, with its citizens bearing the brunt of their country’s economic downturn.
International Trade
Despite the political relations between North Korea and Hong Kong being strained, there has been some progress in recent times. Companies based in Hong Kong have been able to establish trading relationships with North Korea. For example, the telecommunications giant Huawei recently opened a branch in Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea, in order to facilitate mobile phone service in the country.
Critics And Supporters
Critics of foreign companies doing business in North Korea point out that the regime still oppresses its people and does not address its human rights abuses. Supporters of these businesses argue that the only way forward is to engage with the North Korean government, in order to lay the foundation for long-term political stability in the region and a more open society.
Regional Relationships
The relations between Hong Kong and North Korea are neither close nor distant, but rather a type of arm’s length relationship. Despite the differences in ideology and culture, it is important to note that both regions are situated strategically in the East Asian region, and potentially have much to offer each other.
Conclusion
Overall, the distance between Hong Kong and North Korea is one of the shorter inter-country distances in the world, giving rise to the possibility of closer diplomatic ties between the two countries in the near future. Though contentious, their close proximity and similarities make them countries worth exploring if tourism is opened up.
Applications in Everyday Life
The close proximity of Hong Kong and North Korea can be utilized in many ways. For example, cultural exchanges can be conducted to learn from each other and promote mutual understanding. International organizations such as United Nations entities can also promote cooperation to address global issues and concerns such as climate change, poverty, and health care in the region.
Barriers to Improved Interactions
The severe sanctions imposed upon North Korea by the international community have been the main obstacle to closer relations between the two countries. Any attempts to increase interactions and dialogue between the two regions must go through the United Nations and its sanctioned channels, which can be time consuming and complex.
Social Media Influence
In recent years, the use of social media as a platform to improve relationships between North Korea and Hong Kong has increased. There are numerous Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts from both regions that promote cross-country dialogue and understanding. This is a great way for citizens from either side to learn about each other’s culture, religion and way of life, and to strengthen bonds between the two nations.
Implications for the Future
As the distance between Hong Kong and North Korea decreases, there is potential for closer cooperation between the two regions. This could lead to improved economic and social interactions in the area and reduces the risk of potential conflicts arising between the two regions. However, any progress could be complicated by the unpredictable actions of North Korea’s leaders, who can disrupt any attempts to promote peace and cooperation.
